Michael Olijnyk

Michael Olinyk, 97, of Manchester, beloved husband of the late Edith (Jegust) Olinyk, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at McLean Health Center in Simsbury, surrounded by his family. Michael was born on June 1, 1927, in Ukraine son of the late Ivan and Sofia Olinyk. In his early years, Michael was a veteran of the Ukrainian Army, where he learned to speak six different languages.
After the war, he lived in Rochdale, England where he was employed as a carpenter and Mason. Soon after he met and married his wife of 60 years, Edith Jegust and had two daughter Vera and Andrea. The family then immigrated to the Manchester, CT in 1968. Michael initially worked at Cheney Brothers Mill for a few years before becoming employed at the Manchester Board of Education, in the maintenance department at Bennet High School and later at Buckley Elementary School for 25 years until his retirement in 1995.
Michael was a member of St. Michael's Ukrainian Church and the Ukrainian Social Club in Hartford, where he was an avid chess and pool player. He also enjoyed spending time at the Manchester Army Navy club. While at home he enjoyed being outside working in his yard and garden, hiking on the weekends with family and dogs Bobka and Benji. However, his favorite place, was Rocky Neck Beach. He loved to BBQ, and enjoyed his Black and Tan beer, or glass of Paisano Red wine.
Michael is survived by his daughter, Andrea Olinyk-Given of Broad Brook, his five grandchildren, Robin Skelton, Lucy Skelton and Ryan Skelton all in England, Meghan Given of Enfield and Emily Given of Broad Brook and his two great-grandchildren, Isobel and Zachary Skelton. In addition to his wife and parents, Michael was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Vera Skelton.
The family would also like to give a special thanks to all the staff that took exceptional care of dad. Your care and love meant a lot to him.
All are welcome to join the family at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road in South Windsor for calling hours on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 5-7 pm. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 12:30 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Michael's Ukrainian Cemetery, 1458 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, CT 06033. A reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ukrainian American Red Cross. To leave a condolence, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com