In Memory of William D. Olbrys

Obituary

William D. Olbrys, 73, of New Hartford, passed away on May 4, 2024, unexpectedly at Wynn Hospital surrounded by his children.

He was born January 4, 1951, in New London, CT, son of the late Henry and Evelyn Lewis Olbrys. He graduated with his Masters Degree from Barrington College in Rhode Island where he was Salutatorian of his class.

Bill was a teacher at Deerfield Elementary School for 38 years. Teaching was his true passion in life and there was never a dull minute in his classroom. Any student of his will smile and chuckle at the memory of the legendary Sesquipedalians.

His passion to teach poured into his love of swimming and water. He helped organize the Learn to Swim Program in New Hartford and coached the New Hartford Knights, teaching lessons for over 20 years. Bill also ran a summer camp in Montrose, PA for 20 years that his children and friends attended.

He was an avid antique collector and could be found hunting for treasures at estate sales on the weekends and couldn’t wait to show his family what new treasures he found. Bill loved to be outside puttering with his landscaping and tending to his gardens. He had a true love of nature and appreciated the changing seasons.

His favorite job in life was being a full-time grandpa. He was a storyteller, a memory maker, and a legend in their eyes. His favorite thing to do was taking them to the beach. He would spend hours picking up shells, sitting in the waves, building sandcastles and telling them magical stories about wonders below the waves.

William is survived by his children, Matthew Olbrys, Jessica Olbrys, Amanda Stevens and husband Kyle, Josh Olbrys, and wife Marisa; his grandchildren Will, Abby and Luke Stevens; Paul, John and George Olbrys and his brother James Olbrys and wife Linda, from Manchester, CT.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the New Hartford Police Department, Fire Department, First Responders, and the staff at Wynn Hospital.

The funeral will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd. New Hartford. Calling hours are on Thursday from 4-7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org or The Ocean Cleanup, www.theoceancleanup.com

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com.