Thomas "Tom" Olejownik Obituary (1941 - 2021)

Thomas "Tom" OlejownikThomas "Tom" Olejownik, age 79, of Gainesville, FL, formerly of Toledo, Ohio, passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021. Tom was born on November 17, 1941, in Toledo, OH, to Edward Olejownik and Helen Koperski Olejownik.He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert F. (Gerry) Olwick; sister, Delores G. (Frank) Olejownik Czolgosz and sister, Anne M. Olejownik Holman. He is survived by his loving bride of 24 years, Cynthia "Cindy" Miller Olejownik and his daughter, Jennine R. Olejownik of Maumee, OH. He is also survived by his very special Florida family, Ronald and Dorothy McColskey, their daughters, Stacey (Jimmy) Taylor, Amber (William) Larsen, Jaime McColskey and grandchildren, Seri Elim Sar, Luke, Lane, Destiny, Ronnie, Riley, Regan, Brighton, Tristan, McKenna and great grandchild, Kayslynn.Tom graduated from Central Catholic High in 1959 in Toledo, Ohio and joined the Toledo Police Department from which he retired in 1985 after 20 years of service as a patrolman. During those 20 years, he received a meritorious service award, two commendations and nine exceptional performance awards. He served on a Selective Enforcement Team at one point and also served on a special detail under George Wallace in 1972 in Washington D.C. after the attempt on his life.He loved to build and race radio controlled gasoline powered boats. He traveled all around Florida and Georgia to boat races and won a multitude of trophies and plaques. He worked on his own engines, made his own parts and even won awards for his boats having been made to scale of original life size boats and best in show. He was very creative, loved to work with his hands, enjoyed woodworking and remodeling our home. He was an avid prankster and he loved to laugh. He made friends everywhere he went. He was generous and kind and would help anyone in need. He was loved by all and will be truly missed.There will be no funeral services due to Covid-19. There will be a celebration of life at a later date to be determined. If you wish, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Salvation Army.Arrangements are in the care of Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, 311 S. Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601, (352) 376-5361, www.milamfh.com