Lawrence H. Olek

OLEK - Lawrence Henry, 71; Johnstown, passed away at home on May 25, 2019.  Born January 20, 1948 in Johnstown. son of Henry and Sally (Zajdel) Olek.  Preceded in death by parents; sister, Christina Pruner, married to Robert Pruner, who tragically died in a car accident, 30 years ago. Survived by loving wife, of 27 years, Marcia “Marcy” (Belica) Olek; cherished daughters, Christie Olek, New York, NY; and Lauren Olek, Johnstown.  Also survived by sister, Marion Olek of Pittsburgh; nephew, Ryan Pruner married to Rachel, Wichita Falls, TX; niece, Kate Clancy Stetzer, married to Logan, Cleveland, OH; great nieces, Christina and Aniston Pruner; aunt, Sister Stephanie Olek, Sisters of Mercy, Dallas, PA; and numerous cousins and wonderful friends.  Larry was a 1965  graduate of St. Mary’s Preparatory School; 1969 graduate St. Mary’s College in Orchard Lake, MI, with a B.A. in Philosophy.  Formerly employed as Portage Radio as an announcer; Registrar for St. Mary’s College in Orchard Lake, MI’ Director of 1977 Johnstown Flood Recovery Center; Director of Marketing at Friendly City Federal; Executive Director for Cambria County Bar Association and the Lee Foundation. Past president for Johnstown Rotary Club;  past president of Johnstown Toastmasters Club, where he achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) status in 2019. One of the founders and longtime board members of Cambria Residential Services.  He was Santa in the Johnstown Christmas Parade for 40 years, and for the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. Larry was an avid public speaker, master of ceremonies, teacher and leadership skill trainer. He loved fishing, nature and animals. Larry was a loving, kind, faith-filled husband, father and friend. He was wise, yet humble beyond his years and had a wonderful sense of humor that drew people together. “De Colores!”  Please join us in celebrating the life of this incredible man, Saturday June 1, 2019 at St. John Gualbert Cathedral, Clinton Street, Johnstown; where Larry was a member and lector.  Viewing will be from 12 noon until time of Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m., the Very Rev. James F. Crookston.  Committal will take place at Grandview Cemetery.  Arrangements by Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc. In lieu of flowers, donations may be forwarded to the family of Larry Olek.  Condolences may be sent at fgozogfuneralhome.com

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