Edwin Anthony Olszta Sr.

Edwin A. Olszta Sr., age 90, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 8, 2022 with his loving family by his side. A lifelong resident of Joliet he was born on August 1, 1931.

Left to cherish his memory are his children; Annette (Mike) Murphy, Edwin Jr. (Patty) Olszta, Anthony (Denise) Olszta, Joseph (Mary Lynn) Olszta, Luanne (Mark) Joutras and Mary Jo (Mike) Cepolski; 28 grandchildren; 62 great grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy Vangor and Margaret Neff, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Anne (nee Prospero) Olszta, one daughter in infancy, Mary Bertha Olszta; his parents, Anthony S. and Antonia S. Olszta (nee Derkowski); siblings, Antoinette, Stella, Casmir, Thaddeus, Josephine, Natalie, Lillian and 2 sisters in infancy.

Edwin was a graduate of Joliet Township High School. Starting out a blacksmith and ending an electrician supervisor, he worked at US Steel in Joliet for 34 years. Volunteering countless hours at St. Thaddeus Church and school, he shared his time and special talents coaching various sports and teaching P.E. In addition, he coached at Belmont Little League and Ingalls Park Pony League. Edwin was a lifelong parishioner at St. Thaddeus Catholic Church in Joliet until its closing when he joined St. Bernard Catholic Church. A devout Catholic, he had a special devotion to “The Divine Mercy.” Retiring at age 53, he was an avid golfer, bowler and gardener. His nickname, “Almighty Fixer”, came from his unique ability to tackle any project, big or small, that his family needed. A devoted and loving Father and Grandfather will be truly missed.

Special thanks to Lightways Hospice and all involved in his care.

A celebration of Edwin’s life will begin on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 with Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 AM at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Sterling Ave. and High Street, Joliet. Entombment will follow at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Orland Park. In lieu of flowers, donations in Edwin’s memory may be made to Providence Catholic High School, 1800 W. Lincoln Hwy, New Lenox, IL 60451.