John Carl Olexa

Born in Cincinnati, OH, raised in Bradford, PA, he lived his adult life in Miami, Fl and retired to Cortez, FL.

On January 10, 1968, John joined the Marines. After traveling the country with the Marine Band, he went to Hong Kong and Indonesia to serve as an Embassy Guard and in the Dignitary Security Detail. His duty as a Marine was as a fallen service member escort; a duty he was always exceedingly proud of.

In 1974, he moved on from the military and met the love of his life Hilda. Together they had 2 children, Carey Ann and Richard.

Soon his passion for cars led him to a 27 year career in the Automotive Industry. Starting as a Salesman, he later moved into Sales Training, concluding in Banking Loan and Lease sales. He found great joy in that work and made countless lifelong friends in that industry

In 2007 his daughter moved to South Central, FL. Having lost Hilda in 2001 John soon followed. He found a quirky little piece of Old Florida in Cortez and knew he had found home.

In 2018 his adult life came full circle by becoming a funeral attendant for Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Homes. He took such pride in making sure families were comforted and cared for. He truly felt it was a calling and he was uniquely equipped to do it.

He loved beach walks, his many grand dogs, and college football (GO NOLES!). Most of all he adored his family and friends.

Visitation for John will be held Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232, followed by a funeral service with Marine honors at 4:00 PM. Inurnment will be in Sarasota National Cemetery at a later date.