Rodolfo J. "Rudy" Olano

MILFORD: Rodolfo J “Rudy” Olano, 83, passed away peacefully on Friday March 20, 2026, holding the hand of his beloved wife. His dignity, humor, and kindness never waned, even as he endured the progressive symptoms of Parkinson’s disease over the course of 25 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Frances M. (Moran) Olano; their two sons, David Olano of Madrid, Spain, and Michael Olano and his wife, Julia Seewald, of Vienna, Austria; a sister, Araceli "Beba" Adams and her husband, Christopher, of Worcester; and two grandchildren, Zoe and Finnegan. In addition, he is survived by his sisters-in-law Tricia Iandoli (Bill), Joan Davis (Bryan), Betty Sabacinski (Bob) and his brother-in-law John Moran (Sue) as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother, Aurelio Olano, and his cousin and life-long friend, Abelardo Cabrera.

Rudy was born in Union de Reyes, Matanzas, Cuba, son of the late Rodolfo and Araceli (Ibarra) Olano. He and his family fled persecution in Cuba and arrived in the United States in 1962. Through the Cuban Refugee Program, the family settled in Webster Massachusetts where the First Baptist Church helped them to establish themselves. Rudy enrolled in Lowell Technological Institute (now UMass Lowell) and graduated in 1967 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He went on to spend the majority of his work career as a manager of quality control and service for computer and medical device companies.

Rudy was at his happiest when the room was full. From his early days as president of Delta Kappa Phi at Lowell Tech to his later years organizing neighborhood events in Upton and Holden, he lived to bring people together. Rudy’s hospitality was unmatched; his Three Kings Day parties, Thanksgiving dinners, and family reunions weren't just events—they were cherished traditions that defined his generous spirit.

A true enthusiast of life’s simple pleasures, Rudy found joy in everything from the eclectic rhythms of his favorite music to the high-stakes energy of a Celtics game. While his own feet never touched the field as a player, his heart was always in the game; he spent years as a dedicated coach for Holden Youth Soccer, a role he often cited as one of the most rewarding and meaningful chapters of his life.

Rudy and Fran shared a love for travel, treasuring their many trips to Spain and Austria to visit with dear friends and family. One of their most memorable travel experiences came in 2010, when Rudy returned to Cuba after 48 years. It was a profound homecoming that allowed him to finally introduce his wife and sons to his roots and embrace family members he had not seen in nearly half a century.

Rudy was a man of quiet strength whose integrity spoke louder than words. Above all, he was defined by a profound kindness—a gentle compassion that manifested in the thoughtful, selfless acts he performed for others. He leaves behind a legacy of goodness that will remain a guiding light for everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

A Funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 25, from Callahan, Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM in St. John’s Church, 40 Temple St., Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 24, from 5 until 7PM, in the funeral home. In keeping with Rudy’s lifelong spirit of generosity, the family prefers that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or the Parkinson’s Foundation, 1350 Broadway, Ste 1530, New York, NY 10018.