John Ronald Olinatz

John R. Olinatz, 77, of East Hartford, son of the late John and Louise (Barno) Olinatz, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2021. Born in Wilkes Barre, PA on June 11, 1943, he had been a lifelong resident of East Hartford. John was a graduate of East Hartford High School, class of 1961. He earned a BA degree in Mathematics from the University of Connecticut in 1969, a Master of Science with honors in Mathematics in 1973, and a Master of Science in Computer Science in 1975, both from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. John was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy with the rank of ETR2 as a Communication Specialist on the U.S.S. Wright during the Vietnam War. While in the Navy, John also played the clarinet with the U.S. Naval Band. Prior to his retirement, John was a Math Teacher for over 40 years, teaching in East Hartford, Jewett City, and at East Hampton High School. He also taught classes at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and was an Adjunct Instructor in math at Manchester Community College for many years. John was an avid fan of the UConn Women’s basketball team, and enjoyed gardening, solving math puzzles, and reading the Wall Street Journal and Barron’s Business Journal.

John will be lovingly remembered by his two sisters, Shirley D. Olinatz of East Hartford, Laraine L. Olinatz of Glastonbury; a brother, Russ R. Olinatz and his wife Diane of Glastonbury. He also leaves three nephews, Rick Olinatz of Colchester, Russ Olinatz, Jr. of Glastonbury, Bob Olinatz and his wife Jill of Ellington; a niece, Diane Diers and her husband Jasper of Glastonbury; five great-nephews, Brody, Bryce, and Brighton Olinatz all of Ellington, Dylan and James Diers both of Glastonbury. Besides his beloved parents, John was predeceased his sister, Diane E. Olinatz of East Hartford.

Funeral service will be Wednesday (January 13, 2021) with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 am at St. Christopher Church of St. Edmund Campion Parish, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow at Hillside Cemetery, (Section D), East Hartford. There are no calling hours. Due to the Covid-19 health pandemic please wear a face covering and adhere to all of the regulations. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to Disabled American Veterans-Chapter 12 Unknown Soldier, P.O. Box 280281, East Hartford, CT 06281 or St. Edmund Campion Parish, 538 Brewer Street, East Hartford, CT 06118. The D’Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopoeh.com.