Sonny Oleksik

MSgt. Francis “Sonny” Oleksik, Jr. (USAF, Ret.) passed away peacefully on Merritt Island, at the age of 85. Son of Agnes M. and Francis J Oleksik, Sr., he was father to two sons, Steven F. Oleksik (deceased) and Michael Oleksik, Sr. He will be lovingly remembered also by his granddaughters Marisa Tingley, Jaqueline Oleksik, and Elisa Harrell, his grandsons Michael Oleksik, Jr. and Eric Oleksik and his companion in his final years, Suzanne Bellaire. Sonny was most known for his love of boating and fishing, as well as his appreciation for a good bottle of Scotch. He was born in Braddock, PA but grew up in Miami, FL. He and his family first settled in Brevard County in 1976 after his retirement from the US Air Force. He subsequently also retired from United Space Alliance after working on the Space Shuttle program for 20 years. There will be a viewing at Wylie Baxley Funeral Home (1360 N. Courtenay Pkwy., Merritt Island) on Sunday, May 1st from 2 PM to 5 PM. Friends are invited to come share a final Scotch with Sonny. Family will be present only from 2 PM to 3:30 PM. The burial will be taking place at the National Cemetery in Cape Canaveral on Monday, 2 May with only family present. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Merritt Island Elks Lodge on a date yet to be determined.