Matthew J. Olenski

On August 29, 2019, Matthew James Olenski, of Strafford, NH passed away peacefully in his sleep after a 19 month battle with multiple myeloma. Matt was a 1969 graduate of Vestal High School in NY and went on to letter in 3 sports at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Matt was a member of the 1971 NCAA Championship Lacrosse team, the Psi Upsilon fraternity, and was a US Lacrosse referee for over 40 years. He was an avid boater and fisherman who enjoyed helping others whenever possible, especially his children, his harem, and his former service team members. Matt could fix anything and made sport of making things out of other peoples' nothing by repurposing items he found at the Strafford Mall (a.k.a. the dump). Matt volunteered at The Hill Library in Strafford where he repaired broken computers for local residents in the community. Matt was funny, kind, loyal, trustworthy, and intensely loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mitchell and Mary Olenski, Sr. (Vestal, NY), and his sister-in-law Ruth (Michael) Olenski (Canton, OH). Matt is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Sherrie Olenski (Strafford, NH), and their adoring children, Robert (Bridgett) Finch (Clayton, OH), Amie (Brian) Arnett (Dayton, OH), and Lara Olenski (Vandalia, OH). Matt leaves behind 5 grandchildren: Emma Finch (Clayton, OH), Kylie Finch (Clayton, OH), Myah Marlow (Vandalia, OH), Keegan Finch (Clayton, OH), and Makai Arnett (Dayton, OH), as well as 4 brothers: Mitchell Olenski, Jr. (Castle Creek, NY), Michael (Ruth) Olenski (Canton, OH), Mark (Sharon) Olenski (Jacksonville, FL), and Martin (Dawn) Olenski (Castle Creek, NY). The loss of Matt is also felt by his extended family and many dear friends. SERVICES: A celebration of Matt's life will take place on Sunday, October 13, 2019, 2:00 PM at the Bow Lake Grange Hall in Strafford, NH. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which helped Matt cover the cost of his medications throughout his illness. Cremation Society of NH is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to www.csnh.com