Peter Byron Olynyk

Peter B. Olynyk, 68, of Worcester, MA, passed away on February 3, 2026, at UMass Medical Center. He was the husband of Marianne (Holmes) Olynyk. Pete was born in Tacoma, WA, and raised in North Smithfield, RI. He was the son of the late Dr. Peter Olynyk and Magdalene Olynyk. He graduated from North Smithfield High School in 1975 and later New England Institute of Technology with a background in Electrical Technology. He was employed as a Service Manager at Industrial Packaging Supply & Pacific Packaging Products for many years.

Pete’s passions were dirt bike riding and the ocean. A longtime member of the King Philip Trail Riders, he cherished the countless memories made on and off the trails with a close-knit group of friends who became family over decades. He also loved being on the water and, for many years, kept his boat, The Whizbang, at Kenport Marina in Point Judith, Rhode Island, where he spent numerous hours chasing tuna, sharks, and whatever else was running.

A true animal lover at heart, Pete always seemed to find stray animals and bring them home—or perhaps they found him. His beloved pets, Thomas, Charlotte, and Ariella, brought him immense comfort and companionship in recent years.

In addition to his wife, Pete is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Porter, and her husband, Jeffrey, along with his grandson, Anderson—“Andy,” or as Pete affectionately called him, “The Little Poluka”—of North Smithfield, Rhode Island; his son, Daniel Rheaume, and his partner, Danielle Ross, of Gardner, Massachusetts; and his sister, Andrea LaMarsh, and her husband, Chad, and nephew, Trey LaMarsh, of Bedford, New Hampshire. He was predeceased by his brother, Stephen Olynyk, in 2013.

The family would like to thank his care team, especially Melanie of the VNA Care Hospice and Colleen of the 4th Floor West Angels, who advocated for Pete and treated him with dignity and compassion during his final days.

In accordance with his wishes, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pete’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 28th at 10:00 am at Adams Square Baptist Church, 266 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605.