Passed away peacefully in the afternoon on December 2, 2025 at St Michael’s Hospital in the palliative care unit at the age of 82. He was a devoted husband to Heather for 57 years; a loving father to his two daughters, and a proud Zaide to his grandchildren. His eldest daughter is Rebecca Osolen, her husband is Indro Bhattacharyya and their daughter is Persephone Osolen-Bhattacharyya. His youngest daughter is Rachel Osolen, her husband is Rob Pepper and their is son Erik Pepper. He is survived by his younger brother Dale and his nephew Jude.
Richard was a true Torontonian. He was born, lived (except for a four year stint studying in London) and died in the city. He was a poet, dreamer and lead a successful career as a teacher. He started in private schools teaching English as a Learned Language and then moving into the public sector where he settled at Parkdale Collegiate as a successful English Teacher until his retirement. He had a great impact on countless youth throughout his career, some of whom would visit him throughout his lifetime.
He connected to his faith later in life with the support of his best friend Michael Wharton and became part of Darchei Noam, Toronto’s only Reconstructionist synagogue.
He was an avid lover of the arts with subscriptions to art galleries, museums, and theatres around Toronto, along with a home library full of literature, poetry, and philosophy. He loved to spend hours listening to CBC radio, classical music, and watching his latest favourite show with his wife. He was not much for small talk, but enjoyed deep conversations that involved quoting poetry (particularly Shakespeare) and weaving magical stories with his quick wit.
He became a staple of any community he lived in, and was especially loved at the local cafes where he enjoyed his favourite order: a well made macchiato and a sweet treat. A pleasure he enjoyed until the end of his long and fruitful life.
His poetry was transcribed and edited by his youngest daughter, Rachel, and is accessible to read at The Poetic Remains of Richard Osolen.
Services will be held at the party room of 39 Parliament Street on Sunday, December 28th at 11am with a luncheon to follow at 80 Mill Street.
Please RSVP at Richard.osolen.memorial@gmail.com to let the family know if you will be attending the service and luncheon.
