Henry Olexy Jr.

Mystic — After many years of deteriorating health issues from amyloidosis, Henry Olexy Jr., 74, with loving help from his wife and family and the Hospice organization, was cut away from his earth-bound existence to be with his Heavenly Father on Oct. 10, 2018. Henry requested that his thoughts be included in his obituary. He wanted all to know what was most important in his life — love of God and family:

I wish I could tell you how that day all went, and quite frankly I have been praying for the best for a long time, but no one has figured out how to download that information as of yet.

I can’t imagine how this journey would have gone without the mercies of my God. Thank you dear Lord, for the many blessings you have given me for these many years. I could never thank my wife enough times for all the unconditional love she has given me. We are so proud of our children and their spouses for their accomplishments; of course, but our real pride is manifested as we watched them live their lives trying to be “Golden Rule” people. What a wonderful world we could have if we all lived by the golden rule. I think we can get an Amen to that.

With a smile on my face and a happy heart, I am at my final rest. In my years I have brought love, laughter, and support to all of those around me to the best of my ability. I admit I could have done some things better, but I also could have done some things worse. I hope you all remember how you laughed at my jokes, how I was a support to you and how much I loved you all.

Henry was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., to Henry Sr., and Helen Wallace Olexy. He graduated from Robert E. Fitch High School in Groton. Soon after, he married Pamela Graziano and settled in Mystic, where he would spend the rest of his life. He is survived by his children, Matthew and Cristina Olexy, Gregory and Shannon Olexy, Stephanie and Brian Ash, and Nicholas and Patrizia Olexy; grandchildren, Madeline, Jessica, Keith, Adelle, Gianluca, and Giovanni Olexy, and Owen, Sophie, and Isabelle Ash; sisters, Lucia Khoury, Susan Robinson, and Lee Ann Olexy; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Henry had a 41-year career at Electric Boat, starting as an Apprentice Pipefitter and progressing to Supervisor in Production Control until his retirement in 2003. He met and worked with many wonderful people at EB who were the best part of his years there. While employed at EB, he received a Bachelor of Science from the University of New Haven.

Henry had an interest and great skill in carpentry, like his father before him. The homes of his children are adorned with Henry Olexy original pieces. He was also a handyman by hobby; a plumber or electrician was never needed when Henry was around. He enjoyed taking care of his lawn and growing a plentiful vegetable garden every summer. Henry loved baseball, and spent many years coaching in the Mystic Little League. During his retirement, he volunteered at Camp Wightman in Griswold with the “Thursday Crew.” He fondly spoke of his co-volunteers and the great things they accomplished together at this beautiful American Baptist Camp. Henry and Pam were blessed with the opportunity to travel extensively. During these journeys they were able to meet many interesting people and build additional relationships with some wonderful new friends.

Henry was a lifelong member of the Union Baptist Church in Mystic, where he served on the Board of Trustees and sang in the church choir for many years. It was through the church that he was able to preserve his faith, celebrate life and make lifelong friends. The relationships he formed and the support he received from the congregations through the years were a great source of strength, joy and comfort to him.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Union Baptist Church on the hill in Mystic. Visiting hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be directed to the Union Baptist Church, 119 High St, Mystic, CT 06355. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.