John J. Olha

John J. Olha, 89, of Venice, FL, formerly of Bridgeport, CT passed away after a long illness. John was born March 24, 1925 in Bridgeport, CT. His parents were John & Grace (Mayansik) Olha. World War II had begun by the time John graduated from Bassick High School in Bridgeport. During the war he served in the U.S. Coast Guard aboard the USS Samuel Chase, APA-26, and participated in the invasion of Omaha Beach, Normandy on D-Day, and later in the invasion of southern France, bringing troops from Africa to Europe. After completing their mission in Europe, the Chase went to the Pacific carrying troops to Okinawa, the Philippines, and other locations until the end of the war. After the war the crew members of the Chase held annual reunions in different parts of the country. John was Treasurer of the USS Samuel Chase Association for several years and arranged many of those reunions. Also after the war he furthered his education, earning degrees from the University of Connecticut, Bridgeport University, and Fairfield University. He began his career in education as a teacher at Stratford High School, eventually becoming an Assistant Principal, and then Principal. He also served as Assistant Superintendent in Bridgeport, CT, and retired as Superintendent of Schools in Stratford, CT. He was always active in church affairs, first at St. Mark's Parish in Stratford, and later at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, serving on their Parish Councils and the Diocese Boards of Education. He was also a volunteer at the FSU Performing Arts Center, running their tour guide program for many years. Preceded in death by his sister Evelyn Lacko, John is survived by Mary (Buzas), his wife of 64 years, brother-in-law Martin (Barbara) Buzas of Rockville, MD, sister-in-law Martha (Allen) Kall of Plainville, CT, nieces Janet (Peter) Fagan of Sedona, AZ, Barbara (Steve) Fuzfa of Las Vegas, NV, Pamela (William) Stephens of Boulder, CO, and Susan (Douglas) McGough of Plainville, CT, nephews Allen (Ellen) Lacko of Newtown, CT, Jeffrey (Beth) Buzas of Burlington, VT, Thomas (Rebecca) Buzas of Kensington, MD, David (Dominique) Kall of Kensington, CT, and William (Lisa) Kall of Farmington, CT, and several grandnieces and grandnephews. Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00pm on Monday, December 8th in the Sabal Chapel at Farley Funeral Home in Venice. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 9th at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Interment with honors will follow in Sarasota National Cemetery. To send condolences, please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate in John's memory may do so at either the Sarasota Ballet or Asolo Rep Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243, or Epiphany Cathedral School, 310 Sarasota Street, Venice, FL, 34285. Visitation Information Date: Monday, December 8, 2014 Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Farley Funeral Home - Venice Chapel Address: 265 Nokomis Avenue South Venice, FL 34285 941-488-2291 | Map Service Information Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2014 Time: 10:00 am Epiphany Cathedral Catholic Church Address: 350 Tampa Ave. W., , Venice, FL, 34285 | Map Cemetery Information Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2014 Time: 12:30 pm Sarasota National Cemetery Address: 9810 State Road 72, , Sarasota, FL, 34241 941-922-7200 | Map