Edward Olek 1940-2026

Eddie was born Sept. 14, 1940, in Torczyn, Poland, a son of the late Stefan Olek and Marcelina Kaleta Olek. He survived World War II as an infant and later fled communism, coming to the United States in 1979, where he acquired essential working skills and built a life for his family.

He was a man of wisdom and kindness and a dedicated hard worker. His skills were reflected in his early work as an electrician and later in his career as a machinist at PSK Steel Tool and Die in Hubbard.

Eddie was an avid outdoorsman who found great joy in fishing, gardening and mushroom foraging. His deep love for nature defined him immensely.

Eddie was a loving, supportive and devoted husband to his wife, Barbara, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. He was a loving father to his late son, Robert Olek; his two daughters, Anna Karina and Marzena Marcelina; and a proud grandfather to his three grandchildren, Jasmine, Raina and Jacob. He was also a cherished father-in-law to Matthew and Adeel.

Edward’s life was touched by the love of his siblings, Wanda Gliwa, Jadwiga Majewska, Wladyslaw Olek and Ryszard Olek; and his late siblings, Zbigniew Olek and Danuta Konkol. He is also remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews in Poland.

Edward’s legacy will live on through his family and friends. The sunrise over the lakes where he fished will always serve as a reminder that “nothing gold can ever stay.”

Family and friends may call noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. at the funeral home and continue with a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Parish-St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown.

Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to send condolences to Eddie’s family.

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