It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Andrew John Olearczyk (Andy) announce his sudden passing at his Florida home on April 3rd, 2025.
Andy met his wife, Pamela (Becker), in a Boston record shop while attending college. He convinced her to buy an Allman Brothers album, and later came to her dorm to “play ping-pong”; but, while watching Pam climb a flight of stairs, he walked headfirst into a low hanging ceiling pipe! She rushed over to tend to his wounds… the beginning of a lifelong, loving relationship.
In his early “Dad” years, he encouraged a love of the outdoors and nature at the family cabin on Swartswood Lake, NJ. Camping, biking, canoeing, and fishing adventures, as well as beach and ski trip getaways were always a favorite family pursuit. Andy also helped mentor his son and best pal “Ange” to accomplish Eagle Scout status.
Music was a very important part of Andy’s life, from bringing his future wife Pam to The Summer Jam at Watkins Glen ‘73… later attending many concerts with his family/friends (The Eagles, Eric Clapton, CCR, Steve Miller, ELO). A self-taught guitar player, he especially enjoyed family jam sessions around the campfire.
Andy was a passionate fly fisherman, “wetting a line” whenever and wherever he had the chance; fishing the beautiful streams of the East Coast, Yellowstone, the tranquil rivers of Colorado; and, most recently, the salmon run in Alaska. He shared his passion by volunteering with Reel Recovery, an organization connecting cancer patients with the healing powers of the sport. He also was involved with Trout Unlimited (Donegal chapter) and the Special Olympics fishing event.
Andy enjoyed competitive weekly games of golf and bocce ball with his Florida buddies in his spare time, as well as an ongoing restoration of his ‘63 MGB that became his happy obsession. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing his prized tomatoes, asparagus, and blueberries with neighbors and friends. Andy was especially proud of the many azaleas that he had planted surrounding his home in Pennsylvania. He was well known to all for his creative storytelling and ability to spin a few tales, keeping many conversations lively with his humor and sarcasm.
Andy worked for Abbott Laboratories Diagnostics Division as a truly dedicated and professional Field Service Engineer. He fulfilled numerous positions during his career, and ultimately he rose to Key Account Technical Executive upon his retirement from nearly 40 years of service in 2018. He received an Associates degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeast Institute of Technology in Boston, MA.
Andy will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 49 years -- Pamela; daughter, Sarah (William) Yeagle; sons: Christopher and Andrew; cherished grandchildren: Luke, Cooper, Ava and Adeline Yeagle; his brothers: Edward (Monica) and Matthew (Patricia); and sister, MaryJo (James) Farmar.
Andy loved his family with all his heart. His grandchildren (who called him Jagi) brought much joy to his life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will occur on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, followed by inurnment at St. Anastasia Catholic Church. In addition, a reception will be held in Andy's honor at Salt Life Restaurant, located at 321 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, FL., following his inurnment.
