Visitation:
Service: The family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date. OLEWINE – Harry F.
December 29, 2020;
beloved father of Pamela
(Anthony) Overy and
Craig (Anne) Olewine;
loving grandfather of
Tyler, Marisa and
Ryan; loving brother of
Larry, Judith (Edward) Simpson, Rollin
(Richard Meyers) Olewine and the late
Galen Olewine. Survived by nieces and
nephews. The family will host a
Celebration of Life at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the NYS
Veterans Homes at Batavia, 220
Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020.
Arrangements by the DIETRICH
FUNERAL HOME, 2480 Kensington
Ave., Amherst. Condolences may be
made at www.dietrichfuneralhome.com
Jan. 21, 1941 – Dec. 29, 2020

Harry Franklin Olewine, an Air Force veteran, private pilot and longtime GM Tonawanda Engine Plant employee, died Tuesday in the state Veterans’ Home at Batavia, where he had lived for 11 months.

Mr. Olewine, known to most as Frank, was the son of Harry and Lorraine Olewine. After graduating from Riverside High School in 1961, he joined the U.S. Air Force and was trained as a jet engine mechanic.

While serving in the Air Force, Mr. Olewine traveled around the world, from Lackland Air Force Base in Texas to Germany and the Azores.

His love for airplanes and flying continued after his discharge from the Air Force, so he obtained a pilot’s license.

Upon returning to Western New York after leaving the Air Force, Mr. Olewine began working at the General Motors Engine Plant in Tonawanda in the late 1960s. His family said that he "was a highly respected and motivated employee" whose jobs ranged from the assembly line to quality assurance. He worked there for 36 years before retiring in 2005.

In his free time and after retirement, Mr. Olewine enjoyed his many hobbies, including oil painting, carpentry, gardening and enjoying Corvettes. He painted many gifts for friends and family, and passed his love for Corvettes to his children and nephew.

His family described Mr. Olewine as loving and kind, with a quirky sense of humor that enlivened many conversations.

He is survived by a daughter, Pamela B. Overy; a son, Craig F. Olewine; two brothers, Larry and Rollin Olewine: a sister, Judy Simpson; three grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held Monday.