Jr. Olsefski, Frank J.

Frank John Olsefski, Jr., 80, passed away September 7, 2008 at home surrounded by his family.

Born May 4, 1928 in Ithaca, NY, Frank was the son of Frank John Olsefski, Sr. and Eleanor M. Driestal Olsefski. He served two years in the army during the Korean War. Upon returning to Ithaca he began working at Cornell University, where he worked for 41 years. He retired in 1995 as the manager of technical services at Wilson Laboratory. He was a lifetime member of Tompkins County Fish and Game Club, and served as president for several years. He was an avid skeet and trap shooter, and won many competitions in the local leagues. He loved passing his knowledge and skills to others and taught skeet and trap shooting classes for Cornell University.

Frank was a devoted family man. He spent many years caring for his parents before their passing. After marrying Jane, he raised a family of his own. His family was the great joy of his life.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his brother John Olsefski, sister Mary Ellen DeMallie, and sister Ann Laubengayer. Frank is survived by his wife Jane Stilwell Olsefski of Slaterville Springs, NY; daughter Jamie (Patrick) Fitzgerald of Mesa, Arizona; son Gregory Olsefski of Slaterville Springs, NY; daughter Tanya Olsefski of Slaterville Springs, NY; sister Helen Shepherd of Columbia, South Carolina; and sister Cecelia Greaber of Howell, Michigan. Also surviving are a number of nieces and cousins.

Frank's family will always remember him for his wit, sense of humor, joy and enthusiasm for life. His youthful energy and zest for life will be carried on by his loving family. Thank you for being a wonderful husband and dad, we love you!

The family wishes to thank Hospicare of Tompkins County and Ness-Sibley Funeral Home for their support, kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who wish to remember Frank in the form of a contribution to kindly consider Hospicare of Tompkins County, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 or Tompkins County Fish & Game Club, 1649 East Shore Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 1:30 PM at Calvary Cemetery in Ithaca with the Rev. John Tokaz, OFM Cap. officiating.