john olashuk
With broken hearts, the children of John E. "Gene" Olashuk announce that John passed from this world on Saturday, May 30, 2015. John was born February 1, 1932 to the late Michael and Emily Obremski Olashuk. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Leanora DiGregorio Olashuk: his brother, Ken Olashuk; and his sister, Sonya Miller. John is survived by his children, Donna (Ronnie Jones) Gialluco and Mary (Kevin) Davis of Weirton, John II (Jodi) Olashuk of Granger, IN and Bobby (Jill) Olashuk of Defiance, OH. "Pappy O" also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Megan and Brian Gialluco, Justin, Jared, Rebecca and Kristen Olashuk, Amy and Adam Davis. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and five great-great nieces and nephews. Known as "Mr. O", he was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He loved his family very much, encouraged them to do their best, and took great pride in their accomplishments. He especially enjoyed attending the athletic and academic events in which his grandchildren participated. John retired from Weirton Steel in 1989 as the Central Shops Superintendent and went on to work as a Sales Engineer for Project Enterprise. A proud 1954 Electrical Engineering graduate, John was an avid West Virginia University supporter and fan. He served as president of the Brooke-Hancock County WVU Alumni Association, acted as a WVU Academic Recruiter, he was a member of its Emeritus Club and also the WVU Parents Club. In 1996, he was honored with the James McCartney Award, given by WVU to alumni demonstrating outstanding community service. In 2014, he was again honored by WVU with the Chapter Leader Emeritus Award. He especially enjoyed presenting WVU scholarship awards to deserving high school seniors. John was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, Madonna Athletic Booster Club Past President, St. Joseph School Board Past President, a long time Weirton Baseball Association Board Member and Little League Manager, and most recently served as the Weir High Class of 1949 Reunion Committee Chair. John was an avid gardener, voracious reader, and took pride that he had seen the Mountaineers play in every decade of his life. RIP Pappy.. Thanks for the Call. Visitation will be Tuesday 2- 8 PM at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM Wednesday, at Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Weirton. Fourth Degrees Assembly will stand in honor. Rev. Fr. Walter Jagela will preside. Entombment will follow at Saint Paul's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the WVU Foundation (A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia's University; c/o WVU Foundation Office; One Waterfront Place, 7th Floor; P.O. Box 1650; Morgantown WV 26507-1650), the St. Joseph the Worker Memorial Fund, or donor's choice. Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com

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  1. So many memories of my childhood years on Estes Ave are such happy warm thoughts of the Olashuk Family especially Mr O.

    He would always remind me of the time I got lost on our vacation in Myrtle Beach. Such a special, loving family man who will be truly missed.

    Andrea (DiFonzo) Burns

  2. I knew john from little league days and Weirton Steel. He and I were big wvu fans. He will be missed by all who knew him

  3. Bobby and Olashuk Family,

    Thoughts and prayers for you all on the passing of Mr. O. Always enjoyed going back and forth with him on any sport, especially football. God bless you all and may he rest in God’s light.

    Coach Jim Paul, Greensburg, PA

  4. So many great memories with Mr “O”. I especially remember a party at your house after a big win. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Jayne Andochick Kline

  5. Our sympathies to the Olashuk family. We know this is a sad time for all who knew Mr. O.

    From the Horvath family – John & Norma, David, Danny & Diane

  6. Dear Mary and all of the Olashuk family,

    How very sad I was to read of the loss of your dear father. What a beautiful tribute, the love shines through. May your wonderful and abundant memories strengthen and sustain you in the days ahead.

    Our heartfelt condolences

    Kim Rees and family.

  7. My heart goes out to the family. With Johnny-O as my college roommate, I got to know Mr.”O” very well. Great father, great WVU fan, great man. I will miss him. My prayers are with the Olashuk

    family.

  8. Mr. O was a fine example of the life of a Christian man. He “walked the talk”. You could always count on seeing his face at any church or school activity. He was “Mr. WVU” to all of us. May the angels come to greet him.

  9. John and family. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

    Ed and Harriet Jackman

  10. To the Olashuk Family,

    It was with great sadness that I heard of Mr. Olashuk’s passing from my sister, Marlene. My memories of him go back to when WVU was recruiting me for football out of Madonna and he became the main local Alumni liaison. I will always remember the trips we took to WVU sporting events that year and the friendship that developed quickly. Like my father & Coach Bobby Bowden, he was one of the best men I have ever known. I will never forget his ever-present smile & laugh.

    I am a better man for having known him, and the world is a lesser place without him now.

  11. With Our thought Prayers and deepest Sympathy, Remain Blessed Noreen and Richard Saxon

  12. Dear Olashuk Family, We are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was certainly a special man, who will be missed by all of you. I know you are comforted knowing that he and his beloved Leanora are united again. It was always a pleasure to talk to him at church or at the Bank. God Bless you all as you grieve and may John RIP~~~ With our deepest sympathy, Mike and Janice

  13. Dear Donna, Mary, John, Bobby, and all the grandkids,

    I still remember Uncle Gene teaching me to ride the disc out at the lake in Ohio. The last time I spoke with him in person was at St. Paul’s Cemetery. He always had a smile on his face and a good word to say to me. It was always a pleasure to talk with him. I know how it hurts to lose a parent or a grandparent, but his death is precious in the sight of the Lord (Psalm 116:15). My deepest sympathies,

    Keith Vierbicky

    Sarasota, FL

  14. Dear Mary – I never attend a WVU event without thinking of your Dad. We had several laughs after my teaching @ St. Joe’s at Awards Night of Oak Glen. He was and is a wonderful gentleman for he is still alive in our cherished, loving memories. You are an excellent example of loving parents extending moral family values to their children. God Bless and heart felt Prayers to you, your sister and brother. Kitty Binkowski ( St Joes 1974-1976)

  15. I cannot remember a Madonna Football game that Mr. O was not in the stands. He had a wonderful smile whenever we said hello. He will be missed.

  16. Dear Donna, Johnny, Mary, Bobby & families,

    I can’t tell you how sorry I was to hear about the passing of your Dad. He was such a wonderful man! I have so many wonderful memories of our family vacations to Nags Head. Climbing sand dunes, shopping, swimming, laying on the beach… Maybe not so much waiting for our parents to finish dinner. Your dad and mom were truly awesome people. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. My God Bless you all, give you strength, and bring to life you parents through all the wonderful memories you have. Love and my deepest sympathies to all .

  17. Dear Mary and family, sorry I could not attend your father’s services. He was a true gentleman and a great person to be around. wherever I saw him he would always stop and discuss WVU sports with me. we had some lively conversations thru the years. Going to miss him, God Bless

  18. John & Jodi,

    We were so sorry to here about the passing of Mr. O, Senior. We hope that your happy memories of your father will help ease the pain of this loss. Sending our love, hugs, and prayers.

    Mark & Tina Dobson

  19. To the Olashuk and Davis families,

    Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your dear father and grandfather.

    Domenico & Gina Di Bacco & family

  20. Mary, Donna and the Entire Olashuk family,

    We are very sorry for your

    loss. A good memory we have of Mr. O was Weir High School’s Class of

    2009 Senior Recognition. When awarding our daughter Amanda with her WVU

    Foundation Scholarship, we believe he was just as excited to present it

    as she was to receive it. He was always sure to ask about her when we

    would see him around. He will be missed by not only the Weirton

    community but the WVU community as well. Our thoughts and prayers are

    with you all.

    Ken and Sandy Thorp


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