George Joseph Olszewski

George Joseph Olszewski, Jr., 72, of Wethersfield, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2012 at Hartford Hospital, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. George was born on January 13, 1939 in Hartford to the late George and Nellie (Melnick) Olszewski. He was predeceased by his newborn daughter, Elizabeth. George proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was awarded a Vietnam Service Medal, a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. George was a 42 year member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 40. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, UCONN basketball and NFL football. His children have fond memories of camping, fishing and attending horseshows with him. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren who were his pride and joy. His family and friends will fondly remember his wry humor and pranks. He leaves behind his former wife and dear friend, Doris Conway of Marlborough; his devoted and cherished daughters Dorothea Blomquist of Skaneateles, NY, Laura Lessard and her husband Darren of Hebron, Gloria Tardif of Marlborough and Linda Romanowski and her husband Ryan of Darien; and his grandchildren, Christie, Tyler, Owen, Caitlynn, Ethan, Luke and Lillian. He also leaves his sister, Loretta Cassasanta and her husband Valentino of Enfield; a brother Richard Olszewski of Hanover, NH; and nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held Saturday January 7th from 9 to 10 a.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield, followed by a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in Corpus Christi Church, 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Interment will follow with full military honors in the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George's memory for General Scholarships at the University of Connecticut. Please make checks payable to The UConn Foundation, Inc., 2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206, Storrs, CT 06269 or to the Soldiers', Sailors' and Marines' Fund, 864 Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.