Do not ever think I have forgotten Richie…
Every time I send any text messages I remember him teaching me how to send texts. “You’ll love texting, Aunt Shari!”  And I could write pages and pages of memories of the boy and grown up man Aunt Shari loved so much.

My sincere condolences to the Olexa family, and all others  who had a bit more laughter and love in their life because of Rich.

Rich and I attended PCOM together, and while I haven't seen him since then, I'll always think of him and smile. As he was fresh from Florida, I remember laughing till I was crying at his bewilderment with 1) warning signs on the highway that bridges freeze before road surfaces (he thought one sign at the state line really would suffice), and 2) that people actually hit deer with their car.  In typical Rich style, his pantomiming was priceless. While no doubt a great professor, I think he may have missed his calling in stand-up comedy. 

Rest in peace, Rich, and thank you for sharing your light with the world. You have touched many, and you will be missed. 

My Dear Rich, 
After reading all of the  heartfelt messages on this page, one thing came to my mind over and over again. You have touched many people’s lives as you did mine. Even more profound was reading from the many students you inspired during your tenure as a professor.  The students that you inspired will go on to help countless others.  I couldn’t be more proud of you.  Kindness and laughter are contagious and you have given the world a hefty dose of them to spread around. 
I will cherish our friendship always and forever. 
Show them up there that it’s always appropriate to wear a collared shirt, no matter how casual the occasion. And make sure you keep going for bullseye. 
I love you,
‘J’

Words mean so little when trying to express what Rich meant to not only myself, but to so many Nursing Students and Health Professions Students at The State College of Florida.  Dr. Olexa shared his knowledge and passion with his students and made a difference in many, many lives.  He adored his family - always holding them close to him.  He treasured his friends and their friendships, as we treasured his.  He will be deeply missed as a Professor, as a son, as a brother, as a doggy dad, and as a friend.
He was and remains a beautiful soul and will always be in our hearts.  All our love,
Jen Elliott


Hey Uncle Rich, 
Well, I refuse to say goodbye... because I know you’re going to be around, probably where the party is, but always watching over the people you love. That’s what you always did. You were like a brother to my husband, and you quickly became part of my family...First as Logan’s attorney, then Uncle Rich to my children... you were the life of the party, I have never heard my dad laugh so hard at your jokes and stories. Every time I see a box of pastelitos I will think of you trying to smuggle them home.  You were someone who I could always count on.. you guided me through tough times.. you were there for me whenever I needed to talk.  You always had a way to help people move forward and never give up... Any tearful conversation always ended up in a laugh. I will thank you forever for being there for us always.. and I know you will continue to be, Uncle Rich :)
Huge hug-Linette

I don't remember exactly when Rich & I started working together at SCF, but I will always remember the friendship, ideas, challenges, and expertise that he freely gave me regularly.  While he was truly an awesome colleague in so many ways, the thing that I appreciate and love most was the friendship, advice and empathy that he genuinely gave during my whole "Coming OUT" saga in my late 40's. It was really important for me to have people that I could share my thoughts with and try to be more open with.  Rich was one of those friends.  I will never forget him, and will always love and miss him.   Rest in Peace my friend.

John and Cary, I would like to share a memory of Richy... If you can remember, when Stevie moved to Chicago from Florida, Richy helped him drive a truck with all of their belongings... This happened in December, during a deep freeze.... I can remember the day they arrived and Richy walked into our house.  He was all bundled up with layers of sweaters, scarves, knitted hat and a heavy coat... You could barely see his eyes... The first words that came out of his mouth was.... “What the hell are you people doing living here in this freezing cold tundra”... well, if you know Richy, you know that those weren’t his exact words...LOL ... I just cracked up laughing... 
That was Richy, always making people laugh... The Hernandez family will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers... Richy, you will be missed... ❤️🙏🏼❤️

No words. 

Which, you may have appreciated. 

Rich was one of the kindest funniest most genuine people I have had the pleasure of being friends with in my life. He helped me so much with the passing of my father and moving to a new place and new community. He was a champion. He was incredible. I can not believe he is gone this soon. It just doesn't seem right. 

On behalf of the Florida State University Medical Response Unit, our prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends for the loss of Richard Olexa. We are reminded of his legacy everyday through the opportunities afforded to us by Medical Response Unit. Richard founded our organization almost 18 years ago under its original name, the First Responder Unit, during his time as an undergraduate student here at FSU.  His vision for a collegiate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) volunteer organization started as a student volunteer & involvement club has now grown into its own department at FSU’s University Health Services with roughly 100 student responder members who continue to carry out his idea of training students to serve other students and members of the FSU community. This organization has provided countless opportunities for hundreds of students over the years that wouldn’t have been possible without his idea, passion, & ambition. We are beyond grateful for the legacy Richard Olexa has left here at Florida State University and we will continue to recognize his impact and honor his memory in the years to come.
 May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.
 
Respectfully,

Gabrielle OBrien
Executive Director
Medical Response Unit
Florida State University


Dr. Richard Olexa was an amazing human, nights of stressing and struggling over Anatomy and physiology, yet with his humor, work ethic and overall greatness he helped me push through. I remember sitting after class with Professor Olexa discussing my dreams and telling him how I wanted to become a doctor but how I felt I wasn’t smart enough.  Professor Olexa looked me in the eyes and told me “I know you can do it, your determination is outstanding and if you don’t go for it I will be disappointed” from that day on I never looked back and now I’m currently in my junior year of college finishing two degrees at one time and headed to the big Medical school soon. Thank you Dr. Richard Olexa

I am in total shock hearing about Dr. Olexa. He was the smartest professor in the college. I remember his classes were the first to get filled up. He really wanted us to learn. He used to say I rather sit at the beach 🏖 and drink beer 🍺 than sitting here. He always said don’t worry about the grades. He really cared for his students a lot. I never seen anyone caring so much 😖 for his students.  Because of Dr. Olexa, I got A in my ANP class and today I got accepted into the nursing program. Dr. Olexa, I will make you proud by being a great nurse and always help others. I will be successful in life and make you proud. 

Mr. Olexa you where the best teacher I had here at SCF for anatomy. You always put so much time into your classes and students. You truly where a great person and professor thank you for all that you taught me!  Im so grateful that I took your class. Rest in peace , I hope your at the beach enjoying  your beer relaxing up there. 

Prof. Olexa, not only were you the best professor I've ever had, but you were also one of the nicest people I have ever met. You took an honest interest in us students and set us up for success. I wouldn't be where I am today without you. I am so incredibly sad, but I know you made a positive impact on so many people and touched their hearts with your positive attitude and hilarious laughter.  I will make sure to make you proud by succeeding in this Nursing Program. You would've rather been on the beach drinking a beer, but instead you showed up to share your incredible knowledge with us. I'll be forever thankful for you. Rest in peace. 

You were truly an amazing person in and out of the classroom. You were always so smart and were always there whenever we needed anything wether it was just to talk or help me get through science classes.  You will never be forgotten and I wish we all had more time with you on this earth. See you on the other side 

Rich was one of the most genuinely incredible people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.
He was equal parts intelligent, generous, amusing, and frustrating. I can only wish that my son grows up to be nearly the man he was.
All my love to John and Carrie. 

We want to send our condolences from the Dental Hygiene Class of 2021 to an amazing teacher who gave us lots of laughs! 

You were such a positive influence in my life,  right when I needed it most.  Tuesday night shenanigans, Brooklyn, Chicago reluctantly being "tourists", and late night coffee talks.  You were one of my dearest friends.  Thank you for all the laughs, sarcasm,  and wonderful memories.  Every time I think of you I'll smile.

I’m thankful I got to spend a year of my life living with you. As a freshman in college you provided a lot of insight as to how things run around Tallahassee. I remember coming up to visit my brother for his birthday, when I turned 18, you gave me an accurate tour of campus in 10 minutes. We then went out for my brothers birthday where you gave me the nickname “grandpa spot“ because my hair was different colors, and I was falling asleep at 2am. You were so excited about “Nick’s Birthday!”  It was all the justification we needed to do anything that night. We still say it to this day.  Thanks for being a great friend, and roommate. We will never forget you. 

-Grandpa Spot 
Sorry about the dry ice bombs and ruining your dartboard. 

Richard Olexa, was the absolute best Professor I’ve had in 4 years of being in college. I am saddened and shocked by this news, as I’m sure many are. I wish his family peace during this time and know that he made an impact on a lot of people. Rest In Peace Olexa

He touched 😇 so many lives with his amazing teaching skills.  My daughter is devastated with such sad news. Thank you for being such an amazing teacher 

I was a student of professor Olexa. Even though I didn’t know him on a personal level, he was amazing. He was one of the only professors I’ve had that had a true passion for what he did. He loved each and every one of his students and always made sure we were reaching for our goals. As he would always say “I would rather be on the beach drinking beer, but here I am.” Funny guy. I’ve told everyone I know to take his class. He will be missed by all of us students. May he rest easy. 

He was there with me every step of the way. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him in my life. One of my best friends, my best man, my brother. I will carry you with me until the day I see you again. 

This has to be the worst feeling.. God knows I hate goodbyes. We aren’t the closest family that’s for sure (not my choice). We have so many memories from holidays and our childhood I missed you before but now I’ll miss you forever. Could always count on finding you napping after rounds at the table on thanksgiving and Christmas lol we use to all laugh at how you could fall asleep anywhere.  💔 Enjoy your mom I know you are w her now so that’s a plus. I’m sorry uncle Johnny and Carey I hate this soooo much for you guys. I love you. 

Rich-

I’d give anything to hear you say “Hey Pains” again. Your time in Philly when we met brought me some of the best memories and happiness I had — you see I’d found the best friend I never had before- in you.  

I never laughed as hard as I did when I was with you. You pushed me to be more outgoing and adventurous. You protected me when I needed. Your dried many of my tears and always were able to get my smile back. You made me to look past my present and work towards my future - and not sell myself short. 

I’ll keep you in my heart forever my friend. I’ll never forget our memories and the special friendship we had.  I’ll miss you- 

Love,
Pains 

After driving to the Pa. Wilds in fresh falling snow to see us at the lodge and your car ending up skidding off the road into a field, you regaled us at dinner on the  difference between driving conditions in Philly in winter weather and driving on isolated country roads without benefit of being behind a snowplow and sander, and without even guardrails.  You were NOT a happy camper but you had us laughing and rolling on the floor. God I miss you my boy.    ... aunt Shari 

Rich, I will never let your memory fade. You were more than a friend, you are family: my brother. 

Go rest and be with your mom and keep her smiling and laughing like you do for us. Keep an eye out for us like you did in this life.  

I’d give anything to hear your infectious laugh. 

We love you, brother.
“Grandpa” Joe

OBITUARY

Richard Alexander Olexa

3 November, 1980 – 24 September, 2020

Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park

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