Michael Kolesnik Obituary

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
-Mahatma Gandhi
HANCOCK - Michael J. Kolesnik, devoted Husband, Father, Community member and Friend passed away peacefully January 4th, 2013, with his loving wife Nancy holding his hand.
He was born in Lowell, MA, March 2, 1947, the son of the late Michael J. and Florence (Vona) Kolesnik, Sr.
Michael travelled this world while in the Peace Corps, and shared his fundamental compassion for all human beings. Those travels shaped Michael and his belief in humanity. He brought those principles with him in his future professional travels, affecting the lives of many as he taught, coached, mentored and empowered to become all that each of us could be. He was an individual that knew the value of sincerity and lived his life with unconditional kindness.
Many will remember Michael as their college advisor or statistics instructor from the Community College of Vermont, where he dedicated his life to that mission for over two decades. As quoted in the college email, "Michael began his journey with CCV as a coordinator and instructor back in 1988...he probably shaped the Rutland CCV more than any one individual in the entire college, helping to create a dynamic learning center that now serves over 1,000 students annually. Michael's gentle spirit and calm ways helped guide many learners on the path, and his dedication ran deep." In addition Michael taught at Otter Valley High School, Johnson State College, St. Michael's College, and overseas in the Mediterranean and Germany.
Michael and his Nancy became "parents" to many - their family was constructed on these values and beliefs. Michael was the father of wisdom and patience - he extended trust and acceptance to the lives he touched and gave a "family" to those in need.
Surviving family members include his wife Nancy (Demers) Kolesnik of Hancock; one son, Jason Kolesnik and his wife Elizabeth Dyer and their children, Locke Harper, Wren Harper, Scout Harper and Flynn Harper of Burlington; a stepson, Ryan Weber and his son Jacob Weber of Rochester; a stepson Eric Reynolds and his wife Karin and their children, Tyler, Evan and Ian of Clarendon; a brother, John Kolesnik of Hancock; and extended family, Tammy and Ed Davis of Castleton and Mutlay Sayon of Burlington.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2013, at 3270 Rte. 125, Hancock, VT, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. He wanted friends and family to stop by to share memories and refreshments.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either The Michael Kolesnik Scholarship at the Office of Development, Community College of Vermont, 1 Abenaki Way, Winooski, VT 05404; or to the Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Vermont and New Hampshire, PO Box 976, White River Junction, VT 05001-0976.
Online condolences can be sent at www.sandersonfueralservice.com.

Published by Rutland Herald on Jan. 8, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Kolesnik

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Michael you are an amazing advisor, teacher and friend. I will always remember learning about M&M'S in statistic's class, which made math a lot of fun. Nancy and Family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Michael Fusco

January 10, 2013

I was a student of Michaels he was also my advisor at CCV back in 1999, He was a good person, always wanting to help, He will be missed very much by all that had the pleasure of knowing him, I also would like to send my thoughts out to Nancy and his family.

Donna Taylor

January 10, 2013

Nancy and family, May your happy and joyous memories help you through these days. Michael was a wonderful person, he touched the lives of many, and his love of learning and teaching (especially stats) was apparent in the classroom. Peace, Linda MacFarlane

Linda MacFarlane

January 10, 2013

My loving thoughts are of gratitude.
Peace to you all,
Gregory Norbet

January 9, 2013

Michael's strong integrity, hard working ethic, gentle, wise and kind spirit have always been so very much appreciated. I am honored to have had him as a part of my life and terribly grateful our son Jacob, has had him as an example, friend and "Gramps" in his early years. He has been a blessing. I pray that his friends old and new as well as his family can find peace once again in their lives as they work through losing such a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, "Dad", friend, teacher and coworker. I am so sorry for your loss.

Kirsten Welton

January 9, 2013

We are sorry to learn of the passing of Michael, but grateful for his service to our nation as a member of the Peace Corps.

Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association

January 9, 2013

Heaven must have needed an angel . My heartfelt sorrow goes to his family and special friends. Michael was the first and only teacher who told me I could do math.In part of his belief I graduated cum laude with my BA in Psychology . To this day I search for cartoons to send him that involve statics. He will be missed.

January 9, 2013

I had Michael for Statistics at CCV and he was also my Advisor. I remember he and Nancy being around the campus before they were married. Such a nice couple and a very important part of CCV. Rest in Peace Michael. When anyone thinks of CCV, they think of you.

Julianne Thayer

January 8, 2013

Michael you were a wonderful person. You had given me the strength to believe in myself and further my education to the fullest. It was a pleasure working with you as a student and a co-worker. You are very much appreciated for all you had given to myself and the students at Community College of Vermont. Rest in Peace, Michael. You will be missed dearly.

Linda Falco-LaPre

January 8, 2013

Mr. K was a great teacher. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Peggy Stattel

January 8, 2013

A great and humble man who inspired me in many ways. I was touched and honored to know Michael through my years as a CCV Rutland student. Nancy and family, know that you will be in my thoughts.

Daniel Celik

January 8, 2013

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