Donald G. Olander

Donald Gilbert Olander, 88, of Jamestown, NY, passed peacefully on January 11, 2026. He was born September 28, 1937, in Salamanca, the son of the late William Olander and Pearl Powers Olander.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernadette, in March 2025; his son, Troy Donald Olander, in September 2023; his twin sisters, Margie Olander and Maryanne Olander; and his niece, Sheila Guadagna.

He is survived by his brother, Carl Olander; his sister-in-law Mary (Sam) Papa; his nieces, Merilyn Severson, Penny Walker, Kelly Frank, Amy Smith, Jodene Seiberg, and Judith Baldwin; his nephews, Mike Papa, Mark Papa, Tim Papa, John Smith, and Kris Barnhart; and many cherished great nieces and nephews.

Donald graduated from Salamanca High School and proudly serve in the United States Marine Corp as part of the amphibious truck crew – known as the "duck boats" division – in the South Pacific. After returning home, he attended Alfred State College. He met and married the love of his life, Bernadette Barnhardt, in Little Valley, NY in June of 1964.

Don and Bernadette lived and worked in Buffalo and Florida for a period before returning to the area to join his father in operating Plastic Case in Frewsburg. He later became the owner and operator of Monarch Plastics.

He loved Allegany State Park, from his childhood growing up on Pimlico Avenue in Salamanca to his later years in life. He enjoyed boating on Chautauqua Lake, sunrise breakfasts on the beach, big band music, his Great Danes, and his horses. Don was a member of the First United Methodist Church and gave generously to organizations in the community and to those in need.

The family extends special thanks to his lifelong friends Margie and Jack Walsh, and to Natalie, Donna, Kristina, Melissa and Kim for their loving care and support over the past few years.

Funeral services and military graveside burial will be held at a later date.

Donations in Don's memory can be made to Chautauqua County Hospice and Palliative Care (chpc.care) or to the Alzheimer's Foundation (alzfdn.org).