Raymond Olcheski

Raymond Olcheski, of Gainesville, FL, formerly of East Hanover, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 6th, 2020.  Ray was a devoted husband to Lucille, and loving father to Karen and Tina.  Ray joined the Air Force during the Korean War, serving as a communications specialist, and saw many places throughout the world. After the service, while at RCA, Ray was selected as part of the team that contributed to the building of the Lunar Module for Apollo 11. Upon moving to Gainesville, his career took him to Shands Hospital Department of Engineering at the University of Florida.  He was known as a master of repair, and could figure out a way to fix just about anything.

In his free time, Ray was an avid Lionel train and Snow Village enthusiast, who participated in multiple collector organizations. A lifeguard as a young man, he loved being in the water, swimming, floating and spending time with family and friends at the beach.  Animals brought Ray true joy, but he was especially fond of dogs, and rescued many.  Upon retirement, Ray volunteered considerable time in his daughter’s classroom at different elementary schools.

He is survived by his daughters, Karen Streiff and Tina (Jeff) Allen, and many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his wife of nearly 60 years, Lucille, whom he lost just days before, his parents, August and Viola Olcheski, and his brothers August (Gus) Jr., and Robert (Bob) Olcheski.

Ray and his wife Lucille were always together, and will remain so as they go to their final resting place. They will be honored together in a mass to be held at 10:30am at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, in East Hanover, NJ on July 14, 2020.  A graveside service and blessing will be held at Gate of Heaven Roman Catholic Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ, immediately following the mass.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to ASPCA at www.aspca.org

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