Richard T. ‘Dick’ Sandburg, “The Oil Man from Olean”

ALLEGANY — Richard T. “Dick” Sandburg, 88, of Allegany, passed away Monday (Feb. 09, 2026) at the Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Olean.

Born March 7, 1937, in Olean, he was a son of the late Raymond T. and Ivah M. Kent Sandburg. On April 12, 1958, at the Eastside Presbyterian Church, Bradford, Pa., he married the former Barbara M. Scott, who survives.

Dick was a graduate of Olean High School, Class of 1955. He then attended Rochester Business Institute for two years and this was where he met his wife.  He then served four years in the National Guard.

In 1958, he continued the family business which was originally started in 1932 by starting Sandburg Oil Company in Bolivar, which was an oil and gas business.  Later he expanded to East State Street in Olean, to continue the business which lasted over 90 years.

He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Olean, a member and past master of Macedonia Lodge 258 F&AM and the NYS Oil Producers Association.

Dick enjoyed friends, family, golf, tennis and travel. He also enjoyed anything that involved having a good time and helping others. He will be remembered as always being thoughtful and generous towards others.

In addition to his wife of 67 years, Barbara, he is survived by three sons, Richard “Ted” (Chris) Sandburg of Kersey, Pa., Gary (Debbie) Sandburg of Olean and Mark (Julie) Sandburg of Arcade; seven granddaughters, Amanda, Rachael, Caitlin, Sierra, Mariah, Lauren and Claire; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Douglas Sandburg of Rushford Lake; a sister, Marion (John) Lawrence of Foster City, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received at Trinity United Methodist Church, 131 N. Ninth St., Olean, from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. Friday (Feb. 13, 2026) at which time a funeral service will begin at the Church. Pastor Florence “Flo” Wojcik will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.

Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or to the Allegany Fire Department.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.