Oliver Nash Sr.

Old Lyme — Oliver Wentzel Nash Sr., 86, of Old Lyme died peacefully at his home Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, surrounded by family.

Ollie’s greatest wish was to stay in his home of over 50 years, and this was made possible through the love and devotion of his family, but especially the patience and dedication of his grandson Doug.

Ollie was born on March 10, 1931, in Westfield, Mass., to Harry and Louise (Mashin) Nash. Married right out of high school at 19, he took 18-year-old Helen Marie Burr to be his bride on June 24, 1950. They enjoyed a 55-year marriage filled with love and laughter until Helen’s sudden death in 2005. He found himself deeply lonely and sad until he met Donna Mulka at Saint Ann’s Church. They formed a beautiful friendship, which he treasured.

Ollie served a short stint in the National Guard before taking a job in construction. Offered a lower-paying job with the state that gave him benefits for his growing family, he sacrificed to secure his family’s future — which is how Ollie lived his life. A jack of all trades, Ollie retired from the CT DOT as an equipment inspector, but worked tirelessly at anything and everything that needed doing. He was the guy you called when you needed help, no matter what time or day or season. A man of integrity and character, he enriched every life he touched and taught us to be strong, kind and humble, and to always take care of each other.

Ollie is survived by his sons, Oliver W. Nash Jr. “Chip,” Gary Richard Nash and wife, Jackie; and his daughter, Kathy Ilene Rowe and husband, Jeff. Family was of the utmost importance to Ollie and he adored his six grandchildren: GR Nash and wife, Julie, Douglas Nash, Michael Nash and wife, Jenny, Sam Nash and wife, Danielle, Tim Rowe and Kristi Gaston and husband, Troy. Additionally, he enjoyed his six great-grandchildren, Ben, Josh and Kelly Nash, Adam and David Nash and Sadie Gaston. He also leaves behind his loving sister, Jackie Rohrberg and his three nephews, Carl Rohrberg, Mark Rohrberg and wife, Jamie and Jeff Rohrberg and wife, Anne.

The family would like to express its gratitude to Hospice of Southeastern CT for their compassion and attention in Ollie’s final weeks and Dr. Jonathan Gage for always being there to advise and support.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 15 at Saint Ann’s Church, 82 Shore Road in Old Lyme. Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 14 in the Griswold Room of Saint Ann’s Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society or Hospice of Southeastern CT.