Richard Granchelli
September 11, 1933 - July 27, 2024
"May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back May the sunshine warm your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields.."
Obituary of Richard Granchelli
Richard “Dick” Granchelli passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital on Saturday, July 27 at age 90 (9/11/33-7/27/24).
Dick, with his wife and partner of 69 years, Mary Lou Haenle Granchelli, was the owner of Lockport Inn and Suites. Dick and Mary Lou oversaw the expansion of the Lockport Motel from its original 20 rooms in 1968 to its status as an iconic Lockport area business with 90 suites. On his journey, Dick was supported by his five children Richard (Kathleen Whalen), Tom (late Sally) Mary Ellen (Tom) Hinton, Margaret (Dick) Russell and Mark. The youngest son of Joseph and Mary (Petrocco) Granchelli, Dick was predeceased by his seven siblings: Silver (Ruth) Granchelli, Amelia (Patrick) Farchione, Albert “Cuff” (Margaret) Granchelli, Etta (Sam) Marotta, Margaret “Marg” “Whitey”(Lawrence) White, Marion (Al) Ditullio, Elmer (Vel) Granchelli.
Dick loved spending time with his twelve grandchildren: Richard Granchelli, Michael Granchelli, Kathleen Granchelli and Joseph Granchelli, Andy Hinton, Brian (Danielle) Hinton, Meghan (Dan Stephan) and Luke Hinton and Mark (Emily) Russell, Patrick (Melissa) Russell, Boomer (Danielle) Russell and Maggie Russell and great grandchildren Haenle, Ella and Mara Russell, Everest and Mila Russell and Eugene Stephan. He also enjoyed his many nieces and nephews.
Dick loved his family and his business and worked every day at Lockport Inn and Suites until the weeks before his death greeting customers and “supervising”. Many of his customers loved his stories and jokes, returned yearly and became friends of the family. Dick and Mary Lou also loved to spend winter the months in Deerfield Beach, Florida enjoying the sun, beach and their many friends.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Flowers are gratefully declined.
I worked at the motel in the late 80’s when I was in high school. He and Mrs. Granchelli were great people to work for. Such a wonderful family. Sending prayers for peace and comfort at this difficult time.❤️
My deepest condolences for your loss . Mr. Granchelli was a wonderful person and I enjoyed talking with him .
Our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Mary Lou – my heart is breaking for you and your family. Dick was a wonderful friend and he will love forever in my heart.
Dear Mary Lou , our heartfelt condolences to you and your beautiful Family. We are so very sad with the passing of your wonderful husband and life companion. Our love and prayers to you and your Family❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️
Dear MaryLou, our heartfelt condolences to you and your wonderful family, we are so saddened by the passing of your dear husband and life companion. Sending much love and prayers to you and your Family❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️
My Dear Mary Lou, Our hearts break for you. We loved Dick so and we love you. Dick was such an amazing man and we treasure ever moment we had the honor of spending with him. May God give you peace in this very difficult time. 🙏 sending you and your family prayers.
Mary Lou and Family, my most heartfelt condolences for your loss of Rich. My prayers to you all.
So sorry for your loss.
Dear Mary Lou and family,
We seriously will miss Dicks happy personality. Loved feeling like a part of the family every time we stayed at the motel. Sending much love and prayers ❤️
Chuck and Roxanne Crego
I had been coming to the Lockport Motel since 1982 and had gotten to know and love Dick and his family well these many decades. Dick loved his customers and had a wonderful memory which made interacting with him so enjoyable. Though I haven’t been there in several years due to retirement, I scheduled a trip there soon and had hoped to catch up. There will definitely be an empty place there.