Richard G. Ozzello

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Richard G. Ozzello, 86, of Wakefield, went to be with Jesus Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born on Nov. 17, 1933, in Wakefield, a son of James and Ada (Brockbank) Ozzello.  

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Richard was honorably discharged as a corporal on Dec. 31, 1952. He reenlisted on Sept. 23, 1957, and was honorably discharged as a specialist fifth class on July 17, 1963.

On Oct. 11, 1957, Richard was united in marriage to Anna Jane Warrick in Raleigh, N.C. They celebrated more than 62 years of marriage and were blessed with three children.

He was employed as a driller/blaster at the White Pine Copper Company.

Richard was a talented artist, who captured beautiful landscapes of Upper Michigan. For a short time, he played the Brac with Rollie's Ljubavi Orchestra.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Anna Jane; a daughter, Vicky Jane (Jim) Meier; a son, Paul Michael (Lauralee); three grandchildren, Lakin Olivia Ozzello (Mike Singleton), Jeffrey Richard Meier and Michael Allen Ozzello; two step-grandsons, Brian Love and Emanuel Pagese; a great-grandson, Trenten Singleton; a step-great-granddaughter, Audrina Love; a sister, LeChrista Oliver; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; a son, Woodie Gene; a grandson, Kasey Gene Ozzello; and five brothers, John, James, Gene, Phillip and Patrick.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at Calvary Baptist Church, 1201 Peters St., in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m. Full military rites will be accorded at the church by the combined Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

A memorial service will follow the military rites at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Michael Riley officiating.

Luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall following the service.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.