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BORN
1951
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Henry Olender Obituary
NORWICH – Henry R. "Hank" Olender, Jr., 66, a longtime Norwich resident, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Born in Hartford on Nov. 30, 1951 he was the son of the late Henry R. Olender, Sr. and Lorraine C. (Ostrowski) Olender. He was the loving husband of Deborah (Chojnicki) Olender. They were married on August 12, 1972 and recently celebrated their 45th anniversary. Henry worked as a draftsman at Electric Boat before going into business for himself in 1984 when he established Olender Builders LLC. He was a hard worker who took pride in what he built. Those who were close to him knew that underneath the tough exterior was a person with a huge heart who was always willing to help someone in need. He volunteered his time locally with different organizations and also made several mission trips which included working in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and most recently to Houston, Texas to help with the rebuilding efforts. Professionally he ran a successful contracting business, was a licensed assistant building inspector, and served on the Zoning Board for the City of Norwich. Later in life he became an avid motorcyclist who loved to let his hair down, put on his sunglasses, and go for a ride. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his wife Deborah he is survived by his children, Brian Olender, Michael Olender and wife Katrina, and Hannah LaBrecque and husband Colby; a grandson Hunter R. Olender and another grandchild who is due to be born in November; his sister Christine Boots and husband Bill; and brother Stephen Olender and wife Jill. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Sat, June 9, at 12:00 pm at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich. Calling hours will be held on Friday from 5-8 pm at the Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 141 Central Ave, Norwich. Donations in his memory may be made to the Dunn's Corners Community Presbyterian Church, 221 Post Road (Route 1), Westerly, RI 02891 or Central Baptist Church of Westerly, 16 Elm Street, Westerly, RI 02891 for future mission trips.
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Memories and Condolences
for Henry Olender
Sponsored by Woyasz & Son Funeral Service - Norwich.
Jeffrey Littlefield
May 31, 2019
I will never forget him takin me and mike to my first ever redsox game. That I will always hold dear to me thank u again hank for everything uve ever done for me growing.
Marian Naumann
June 22, 2018
Christine - my deepest sympathy at the loss of your brother. Marian Connor Naumann
June 11, 2018
Deb - I was shocked to hear of Hank's passing as we recently attended a training class.
When I worked for the Norwich Bldg Dept I used to kid him that he only got the toughest jobs. I was continually amazed at his work.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Chris Ida
Bill Grenon
June 11, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. Hank was a great guy and neighbor. Under his tough no nonsense exterior was a generous and caring heart. He was a Brave man, leaving a lucrative career to start his own business while supporting a family. On many occasions over the last 40 years as I struggled maintaining my ancient house, Hank would give me outstanding advice on better ways to do things and sometimes the material to do it (he "had it laying around"). Hank was a few days older than I and was reminded by my addressing him as Old Man politely, with respect, as he could appear somewhat fierce if riled. I will miss our occasional banter however I think the neighborhood and the city will also miss him. Hank was a man with a strong moral compass, caring heart, and ability to get things done. That and the relationships he formed with officials, local contractors, zoning, His years of experience and knowledge of city issues made him a valuable asset to the community. He Will be Missed.
Robert Phoenix
June 11, 2018
Gone too soon, but he shall not soon be forgotten...
A really nice person, hard worker, great father and husband as well as recently, a grandfather.
It has been a absolute pleasure to serve on the Norwich Zoning Board of Appeals with Henry.
Because of his presence, he brought a calming sensibility into the sometimes, difficult decisions, the board has had to make. It was an honor to serve with you, Henry.
I am truly sorry for the loss his family will endure...
You shall be missed!
michael Marino
June 10, 2018
We are very saddened to hear this terrible news. Henry was a great neighbor for many years. we are very sorry for your loss. condolences to his wife and family. the marino's
Monique LaBonte
June 9, 2018
Dear Deb and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss! May the loving memories made be a blessing to you now and the days to come.
With loving sympathy,
William Mackie
June 8, 2018
I'm very sorry and shocked to hear about Henry. It's been quite a few years since I've last seen him. I have many pleasant memories of Hank, and I always respected him as he was a kind compassionate person. He was a master craftsman, a very talented person. Rest In Peace Hank. You will be missed.
Patty, Charlie, Tyler Russell
June 8, 2018
Deb and family my heart stopped when I heard of Hank's passing. He had more than a heart of gold. He was a godsend to us when he built my Mom's apartment and was always there for us and so many. He walked the walk and talked the talk he was such a wonderful man. Please know he and your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Frank Morosky
June 8, 2018
Went to school with Hank from grade school through high school. Knew he was a good guy even though we didnt cross paths much. Hell be missed at our 50th high school reunion next year. Everyone liked him.
Diane Martin-Kelly
June 8, 2018
Condolences to all the family. It has been years since I saw Henry, but the years we spent as playmates and neighbors will always bring fond memories. Love to all.
Andi Carty
June 7, 2018
Henry you will be missed. We were getting closer these past few years and I looked forward to seeing you and talking. Lots of love and hugs to Debbie and the kids.
June 7, 2018
We at the Montville Home Depot were saddened to hear of Hanks passing. We will miss seeing him and that big smile. Our deepest sympathies to the entire family
Joseph De Lucia, Sr.
June 7, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Terry and Christopher Stedman
June 7, 2018
God speed Hank~
Though I never knew you my son Christopher was truly blessed to have known you. God bless your family.
RIP
Chelsea Pizzi
June 7, 2018
You are in our prayers Debbie and family. We are so saddened by the loss of Henry he was truly a big teddy bear with a big hear and he is going to missed greatly.
Love,
The Pizzi Family
Benjamin Hall
June 7, 2018
Worked with Hank making pancakes at the church. Great guy. Sorry for your loss
Shirley Newsome Surette
June 7, 2018
Dear Debbie & Family,
My deepest condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kim Hominski
June 7, 2018
Debbie,
My folks, Dickie, Jon and I are so deeply saddened to hear of Henrys passing. You and the kids are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill Kenny
June 7, 2018
I was saddened to read this today. Henry and I were on the Building and Technology Committee a very long time ago.
More recently, he and I watched the Memorial Day Parade as it marched up Broadway, enjoying the weather and the music.
We used to see one another usually on Sundays at Stop and Shop, one of us coming in while the other was heading home so during the parade we had a chance to catch up and wish one another a great summer. I smiled and waved as he cranked up his motorcycle and roared off into what was left of the holiday
I'm sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts while you hold his memory in your hearts.
Joanne Mercer
June 7, 2018
Debbie & Family, I was so saddened to hear of Hanks passing. You are all in my thoughts. Please let me know if I can help with anything.
Jeff LIttlefield
June 7, 2018
Deb and Family,
so sorry to here about henry he was a great man was like another dad to me growing up as kid living next door for all those years sending prayers and my condolences from my family to yours. ill always remember listening to him yell at the tv when the redsox were playing and they were messing up LOL.
Arlene Beninato
June 7, 2018
Deb and Family,
I was heartbroken to hear of Hank's passing. He always had a giant smile on his face and was one
of nicest persons I have met. I hope great memories will give you some comfort in the days to come.
fondly,
Arlene
June 7, 2018
Dear Deb and family, so sorry for your loss.
He will always hold a special place in your hearts. Dan and Mary Ann Goodell.
Judy Grady
June 7, 2018
I will remember him fondly. I always thought of him as a part of my church family.
Mary Ann Goodell
June 7, 2018
Dear Deb and family, so sorry for your loss.
He will hold a special place in your hearts.
Dan and Mary Ann Goodell
Barbara Heidler
June 7, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, so sorry for your loss, he was a very special man, so thankful to have him in our life and part of the family.
Steve & Bonnie Dumont
June 7, 2018
What a blessing to have crossed paths in life with Hank (& the Olender family). We shared so many good times together & now have wonderful memories. We are grateful for the amount of time we got to spend with you; if only we could have just one more day. Until we meet again our FRIEND we will keep you in ours hearts & minds.
Marilyn Rohan
June 7, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Lisa (Newsome) Ward
June 7, 2018
Debbie & family,
My sincere condolences
Chip and Anita Bingham
June 6, 2018
So Sorry for your loss. Hank always brought a smile to my face when we would talk. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Olender Family
Guy,Carol and Tim DAndria
June 6, 2018
Brian and the Olender family, we are sorry to hear of Hank's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
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