Peter J. Olijnyk

Peter J. Olijnyk, of Webster, NY, passed away on November 23, at the age of 71. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Peter was the beloved son of Peter and Gertrude Olijnyk, who predeceased him. In 1960, he moved with his parents and younger sister, Vera (Fricano), to Rochester, NY, where he spent the rest of his life.

In 1979, Peter met the love of his life, Mary (Weber), who survives him. The story of their first meeting at Park Ridge Hospital - where Mary worked and where Peter introduced her to his "IV girlfriend" - became a long-cherished legend among the staff. They married in August 1980 and went on to welcome three children: Charles, Nadine (Canavan), and Kristine (Correll).

Determined to provide the best life he could for his family, Peter returned to school after his children were born to earn a degree in Computer Science. He went on to work for Kodak and later for SAP, whose opportunities allowed him to travel the country and the world - something he truly loved. Though the travel meant time away from home, Peter believed deeply that experiences mattered more than things. He made it a priority to share that love of exploration with his family.

Together they traveled to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Aruba, Mexico, the Netherlands, France, and countless destinations throughout Germany to visit cherished relatives - even flying first class a few times! They explored Toronto and Niagara Falls, as well as many states, including Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Arizona to experience Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam. Peter and Mary continued to celebrate their life together with trips to Prague, Austria, London, Costa Rica, St. Maarten, and more. To make these adventures possible, Peter was remarkably resourceful. Rather than hire help for home projects, he taught his children how to do nearly everything themselves. Plumbing, electrical work, woodworking, drywall, siding, roofing, paving, landscaping - Peter passed on not just skills, but confidence. Neighbors often saw the kids outside cutting the grass, washing the cars, raking leaves, or even taking down trees.

Peter's love of building and creating began long before his own children were born. He and Mary built their first home together. He also helped his parents build their home, a place filled with warm, vivid memories for his children and family. They spent many joyful days there: climbing high into cherry, apple, and peach trees to pick fruit for homemade jam; tending to the bees for honey; and helping in the garden to harvest vegetables. Those moments became treasured memories they all carry with them. While the work wasn't always fun in the moment, those experiences created lasting bonds. His children are grateful for the skills he taught them. They now use them in their own homes and for their hobbies. Of course, they also treasure the tools he lovingly passed down.

If you knew Peter, you knew he could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. He loved a good meal, a good drink, and good company. Curious by nature, he was eager to learn about other people's lives and stories. Above all, he was selfless. He always put others first - advocating for Mary and making sure their home met her needs, working tirelessly to put all three children through college and support their sports and hobbies, and creating a welcoming space for their friends. Though he could appear stern to strangers, Peter was warm, kind, and quick to laugh. He enjoyed goofy old cartoons like Road Runner, The Red Green Show ("because what can't duct tape fix?"), comedians like George Carlin, and the occasional practical joke.

Peter especially cherished time with his family, and he adored his grandchildren: Aidan (12), Ariana (8), Iyla (8), and Charley (5). Each of them holds special memories of their beloved Didu. Peter will be remembered for his knowing smirk, his friendly and outgoing nature, and the profound love he had for his family and friends.

Peter's Memorial Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, November 26th 10am at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Webster.