1948 - 2026
Henry Andrew Olcese, Jr. passed away Sept. 18, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. Andy was born on Feb. 3, 1948 in Stockton, California to Henry Olcese and Grace (Wells) Olcese. Andy was the oldest of five children. The family moved to Sunnyvale in 1952 and then to Lemoore in 1960. Andy graduated from Lemoore High School in 1966 where he was active in sports and served as Junior Class Treasurer. After high school he attended Coalinga Junior College for two years where he served as Student Body Class President. He then transferred to Cal Poly and worked for Hearst Castle. Before graduating he enlisted in the Navy doing a tour of duty in Europe on the John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. That was where his love of sailing began. After his time in the Navy, he earned his teaching credential from Fresno State University. He taught high school math and industrial arts in the Central Valley and Sacramento until his retirement.
Andy met Nancy, the love of his life, when they were in the wedding party of mutual friends. Despite living in different cities, they enjoyed many dates, especially on his boat on San Francisco Bay. Andy proposed to Nancy on the Delta Queen Riverboat in Sacramento, and they were married on the Delta Queen in 2005. Andy and Nancy lived in Chowchilla, where Andy worked as a substitute teacher.
Andy and Nancy enjoyed sailing and traveling with friends and family. A huge San Francisco Giants fan, Andy loved to watch games from his boat on McCovey Cove. Andy was active in the men’s group at his church and other church events. Woodworking, repairing furniture, and maintaining his beautiful yard filled his retirement years. Andy and Nancy’s dogs were like their children.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Clovis Community Hospital for their kindness and care for Andy during his stay.
Andy was preceded in death by his father, Henry, and his mother, Grace and by his brother-in-law Mike Red. Andy is survived by his wife, Nancy Red Olcese and their dogs, JJ, Panda, and Blue. Other survivors include sisters Carol (Jose) Banuelos, Janet (Manuel) Joaquin, and brothers Chuck (Camille) Olcese, and Rick (Diana) Olcese. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Danny (Margie) Red, sister-in-law Bertie Red, niece Susie (Stephen) Sheppard, nephew Tim Red, and great-nieces Hope (Alan) Romine, Grace Sheppard (Aidan Moore) and Kaitlyn Sheppard. He had many nieces and nephews: Matthew (Julie) Banuelos, Heather (Kyle) Banuelos Peete, Holly (Dave) Banuelos Schreier, Joel (Jesse) Banuelos, Jennifer Joaquin Hamada, Nicole Joaquin, Abby Olcese, Henry (Annie) Olcese, Philip(Trixy) Olcese, Andrea (Justin) Olcese Ehrenpfort, and Ariana (Jamie) Olcese King. Andy was also close and enjoyed spending time with his 17 great nieces and nephews in the Olcese family.
The family thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers. We ask that you remember Andy for the person he was and how he always enjoyed being around everyone he came in contact with.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 10:30 AM, at Cornerstone Community Church, 208 Fig Road, Chowchilla, California.
Please join us in remembering Henry "Andy" Andrew Olcese Jr. by visiting our Memorial at www.wordenchapel.com
Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Olcese Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, Lori Whatley, Funeral Arranger
