Richard “Dick” Yolevich
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Hilton: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Richard “Dick” Yolevich after a short illness on February 28, 2026. He was 85 years old.
Born on December 15, 1940, in Rochester, New York, Dick built a life defined by devotion to his family, his country, his community, and the simple joy of living each day fully. For nearly 60 years, Hilton, New York was his home, where he and his beloved wife Susan built a life together over 58 years of marriage.
A proud American and veteran of the United States Air Force, Dick served his country from 1959 to 1963 during the Vietnam War era. His patriotism was not just a chapter of his life it was a lifelong commitment. He remained deeply involved in veteran and civic organizations, serving as a member of the Hilton-Parma Chamber of Commerce, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Board, American Legion Post #0788, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6105, and Vietnam Veterans of America, Rochester Chapter #20.
Affectionately known to many as “Dickie Donuts,” he was a small business owner for nearly 30 years, operating multiple Village Donuts locations. He took pride not only in the business he built, but in the relationships he formed along the way. His work ethic, generosity, and steady presence made him a familiar and beloved figure in the community.
Dick’s dedication to service continued in public office. He served as a Parma Town Councilman from 2000 to 2006 and later as a Monroe County Legislator from 2006 to 2015. Civic service meant the world to him. He believed in showing up and working hard for the people he represented.
But above all, his greatest joy and his proudest role was being a grandfather. Garrett Gay, Brynn (Jonny) Steffen, Madison Gay, and Lawson Measic were the light of his life. He never missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, attend their events, or share stories about them with unmistakable pride. He was also eagerly anticipating the arrival of his first great-grandchild, a blessing he spoke of often. His love for his grandchildren was boundless and evident in every conversation and every smile.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Susan; his daughters, Tracy (Gary) Gay and Vicki (Davin) Measic; his cherished grandchildren; and his siblings Jeff Yolevich, Jim (Carrie) Yolevich, Casey (Terri) Meadows, Donna Manier, Carol Miller, JoAnne Penzato, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Vella Meadows; his father, Pando Yolevich; his stepmother, Wilma (Ken) Drudge; his brother, Steven Yolevich; and his brother, Wayne Munson.
Dick lived fully. He worked hard. He served proudly. He loved deeply. His presence was steady, his laugh unmistakable, and his pride in his family unwavering. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community he strengthened, and the countless lives he touched. He will be missed.
Friends may call on Thursday (March 5th) 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Vay–Schleich & Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday (March 6th) 10:00 at St Leo the Great Church, Hilton NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation in his memory. (t2t.org)
Susan, so sorry for your loss. Dick was an important member of our community.
So sorry to hear this Just had seen Dick and family at Mr Dominics. Great memories of him at the donut shop with all the guys. I know he will be missed by many. Prayers for the Family 🙏🇺🇸
Such sad news. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to speak with Dick not long ago and talk about the good old days at Village Donuts. We had some good laughs reminiscing about some of the wonderful people that were there on the daily basis and the antics that went on.
He was so proud to tell me about his family and his grandchildren and all of their accomplishments.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Im so sorry to hear of Dick’s recent passing…. I have not seen him in several years but I always knew him as a kind and devoted family man. I know be will sadly missed by many…
My prayers and sympathy go out to his family and many friends.
….Lynn Richardson
Uncle Dick came to Toby’s bachelor party at his brother Jeff’s house not too long ago and we had a great talk that ill never forget. Was always a great Uncle that threw some fun family pool party’s from a child to an adult. He will be missed greatly.
I am so sorry to hear about Dick passing. My deepest sympathy to Sue and his family.
I have known Dick since #42 School. We went all through high school together and graduated
with the Charlotte High School Class of 1959. When the class had its first reunion at 5 years, Dick
was one of the organizers. He continued to be the “glue” that kept the class together every 5 years
through our 60th reunion in 2019. Dick would always notify class members when someone passed away.
Dick and I went into the Air Force at the same time along with three other members of the class. We were together through basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas and tech school at
Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi. After that, Dick got sent to Vietnam and I got sent to Okinawa.
We would see each other off and on in and around Hilton, we were only a mile apart. He was the only local candidate I would allow to put a campaign sign in my front yard. I ran into Dick at Long Pond Wegmans a couple of months ago and he wanted me and Carolyn Trendel to meet him for lunch when we had time. Unfortunately, that time didn’t come. I really feel bad about that. I’m going to miss you Dick, it’s been a life long pleasure.
Our hearts are heavy; thoughts and prayers for the entire Yolevich family.
knew dick for 50 years from the donut shops. Great person
It was Dick , our “Yoly” that was a mentor to so many of us Monroe County Legislators. I was a newbie legislator, Dick was so kind and showed me the ropes of being a good leader & legislator. He was a guy that both sides of the aisle, Republicans and Democrats respected and liked.
We kept in contact after we had completed our tenure in the legislature. I will miss those “Yoly” chats…. I had just become a grandparent and Dick always told me it was the greatest job that he had, other than raising his girls with the love of his life, Susie.
Regretfully, I’m out of the country this week.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Drawe
We will miss you for sure Marilyn Lockner Coleman
My most sincere condolences to Dick’s entire family! He and his donut shop were a fixture in the Brockport community, and I enjoyed taking my sons there on weekends. I will miss him.
I was deeply saddened upon hearing that Dick had passed away. He and I were roommates, as well as workmates, at Adair Air Force Station, Corvallis, Oregon, for almost two years. Those were mostly fun times, both while on and off duty. We hot rodded around in our Mercury sedans, and dated some of the local girls, one of which I married. I had wanted Dick to be my “best man,” but he was sent to Vietnam before the wedding. We kind of lost touch until about ten years ago when he found us on the internet, and then called us. It was as if we had been together just the day before. What a joy. Dick and Susan came to Oregon several years ago and what a great reunion we had. They had wanted to pay a return visit, but time caught up with us and it, sadly, never happened. Bon Voyage, my friend. I’ll miss you.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers goes out to Sue and all the family.
I have known Dick since our days in Charlotte ( Shalotte ) . Although I was in the class of ’57 we hung around in the same group. When my family moved to Hilton we ran into each other more often . I am so sorry for your loss .
Jim and I are sorry to hear of Dicks passing We are currently traveling and will not be able to attend however your family is in our thoughts and prayers
So sorry to hear this sad news. What beautiful memories people have shared. It was a pleasure to have met him a few times. Hold all those memories deep in your hearts. Sending love and strength to all the family.
We are so fortunate to have known Dick over the years. He was a devoted and loving husband and father with a wonderful sense of humor who contributed whole-heartedly to our nation on local, state and national levels. He will be missed but fondly remembered always. Our deepest condolences to the Yolevich family.
I met Dick back in 7th grade as part of the “Bennington Drive Gang”! Then on to Charlotte High, and another 4 years of friendship. We even went to a sorority prom together when neither of us had a date, and if I remember correctly, Dick was smooth on his feet! The last time I saw him was in the Fall of ’19. We visited Grechen Howe together at Mill Landing. Then Covid arrived and changed the pattern of living for those over 75. We don’t frequent the “old haunts” any more, life has changed for many of us, and running into old friends doesn’t seem to happen as often. The one thing about Dick, no matter the size of the crowd, once he spotted you, he was sure to make his way over. So with this I send my condolences to his beautiful family, and remind them to always know how lucky they were to have him in their lives. God bless you all, and Dick may you rest in peace.
After writing the above, I remembered I didn’t mention I am currently recovering from Walking Pneumonia, and unable to attend Dick’s wake. I do want you to know you ha e all been in my thoughts all day long. Godd bless you all.
Saddened by the news of Dick’s passing. Sympathies, thoughts and prayers to his family. Wish I could have made calling hours and the service.
Extending sincere sympathies to your entire family. Dick was a valued friend and colleague of our dad, Harry, for many years. They shared a deep appreciation for entrepreneurship at its finest (and the donuts, too!). Wishing you comfort and peace as you remember and celebrate his life.
Dear Susie and Family,
Nerm and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We hope that sweet memories will bring tiny moments of joy during this time of grief.
My memories of Richie include your beautiful, happy wedding; hearing my best friend, Mary Klaver, talk and laugh about encounters with Richie; and going way back to our shared childhood, I have a photos of Richie, my brother Tommy, and me, ages 4, 5, and 6, sitting on the front steps of 81 Savannah Street; another of Richie wearing a Lone Ranger mask at a birthday party; Richie at a Macedonian picnic; and a teen-age Richie taking a snooze after Thanksgiving dinner.
We all grew up and went our own ways, but Richie showed up with his big grin and boxes of donuts after my father died, and again after Tommy died. I will always remember his smile and his kindness.
And I have to add how very proud my Aunt Vella, champion saleswoman of Red Poppies for Veteran’s—and Richie’s mother—was of her son and of his service to his country and to his community. She kept me informed of his accolades.
Richie’s service
Pauline and Nerm
The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in Richard’s passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.
Yoly, DIck, was one of the finest human beings you could ever meet. He was smart, witty and always had a great sense of humor. He always took an interest in the people he met and always had a kind word of encouragement and wisdom to offer to all. Heaven’s gain is our loss but I’m sure Richard is up there watching over his wonderful family and friends.
Susan, I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dick. We enjoyed many great Friday dinners together. Dick found out I was a Vietnam Vet and got me a Vietnam Veteran’s hat which I proudly wore while driving Dick in the Memorial Day parades. Thought of him often, missing those wonderful days.