Obituary of Michael Olenowski

Michael M. Olenowski passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on November 11, 2020.  He lived all of his 57 years in Denville, NJ, where he made many life-long friends.  He was a devout Catholic who loved reading the Bible.  

Michael was born on January 10, 1963 and was the youngest of eight children to bless Matthew S. Olenowski and his wife Jennie.  Mike attended Morris Knolls, graduating in 1981, and furthering his education at CCM.  He was a hard worker who from a very young age would run home from school to go work with his father in the family business, Denville Line Painting. Mike took great pride in Denville Line.  He enjoyed working on the road with the crews in the early days.  Alongside his brothers, Mike played an instrumental part in growing the family business, eventually becoming President.  Next time you see a brightly painted roadway, think of Mike and smile.

Michael worked hard to provide for and give his sons a good life.  Together they shared many wonderful experiences including vacations to beautiful destinations, great restaurants, concerts and sporting events including a World Series and two Super Bowls!  Mike enjoyed playing Yahtzee, Rummy or a game of Chess with his sons. He was very proud of Matt and Tim and all their accomplishments.

One of Michael’s favorite sayings was: “When I had it, I went with it.”   He did exactly that. He played hard and enjoyed every minute. He loved people and being the life of the party.  He enjoyed a fine bottle of wine and a good cigar.  An avid golfer, he was a member of Rockaway River CC for many years.  

Mike liked casinos, the horse races and was a fan of the NY Giants and the NY Mets.  One of Mike’s greatest attributes was his incredible generosity, which he showered upon the people he cared about or anyone who needed help.  He had a wild sense of humor that made so many people laugh over his lifetime.

Michael is predeceased by his Mother and Father, Jennie and Matthew, who he looked forward to meeting again in Heaven. He leaves his sons, Matthew and Timothy and their Mother, Carolyn Olenowski; his siblings Matthew Olenowski, Linda James, Joseph Olenowski, Father Mark Olenowski, John Olenowski, Mary Olenowski, Luke (Jennifer) Olenowski; his ten nieces and nephews and nine great-nieces and great-nephews; and many good friends. His sisters in laws Kathleen and Cheryl passed previously.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated privately with immediate family members.  In lieu of flowers, donations to either of the following charities, in Mike’s name, would be a great honor: Loyola Jesuit House, 161 James St., Morristown, NJ 07960 (retreathouse@loyola.org) or to St. Peter’s Orphanage   170 Diamond Spring Road, Denville, NJ  07834, www.stpetersorphanage.org