David R. Olshansky

DAVID R. OLSHANSKY, 85, of Louisville, passed on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at the Masonic Home.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, David lived a lifetime of variety and accomplishment. He grew up in his parents' Five and Dime retail business in the 1940's and 50's in Farmington, Michigan. After college, he entered the life insurance business and achieved excellence in sales. He advanced to Regional Manager and relocated with his family to Louisville, Kentucky, in 1970 with the Union Central Life Insurance Company, where he remained until 1980. He opened his own life insurance brokerage company in 1981. David served 25 years on the Jeffersontown City Council, eventually stepping down to become the city's Economic Development Director. Before retiring from the city in 1999, he spent two years as the first Executive Director of the Jeffersontown Historical Museum. Following retirement, he returned to retail. Together with his wife Rita, they owned and operated three consecutive retail locations, with the Shop-of-Shops located in J-town.
Mr. Olshansky immersed himself in many community services and charitable organizations. He was a charter member of the Plainview Residents Association, a member of the Jeffersontown Chamber of Commerce, a 3-year Chairman of the city's Gaslight Festival where he was credited with the expansion of the festival to a multi-day event funded through the addition of corporate sponsorships. He was in retail operations management for the National Council of Jewish Women. He volunteered with S.C.O.R.E. (Service Corps of Retired Executives), assisting entrepreneurs and small businesses wanting to work with government entities. For over 30 years, David proudly assumed the role of Santa Claus at numerous family, public and charitable events.
David was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His many interests included wood working, architectural and landscape design and oil painting. He was a life-long car enthusiast.
David is preceded in death by his parents Max and Ida Olshansky; his sister Mary Blitz; and brother Marty Olshansky.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 43 years, Rita (Reisert) Olshansky; his son Marc Olshansky (Jayne); his daughter Kim Labelle (Jim); step-sons Tim Kelty (Elizabeth) and Kevin Kelty; grandchildren Sara Olshansky (Jared), Sam Olshansky (Bre), Amy Olshansky (JimBob), Trevor Kelty (Justice), Taylor Willard (Adam), Tori Kelty, Kayla Ireland, Devon Kelty, and Mackenzie Kruer (Trey); and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Memorial Visitation from 2-6 pm on Monday, June 30, 2025 at Ratterman and Sons Funeral Home Jeffersontown, 10600 Taylorsville Rd. There will be a Sharing of Memories at 6 pm, please feel free to share a story.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Toys for Tots. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David, please visit our floral store.