Cornelius Francis Olszewski

Ski" Cornelius F. Olszewski (91) was called to be with our Lord on December 29, 2017, in Hemet, California. Cornelius (aka "Ski" or "Blackie") was born on September 16, 1926, in Pittsburgh, PA, and was the last survivor of two sisters and five brothers, born to Pearl T. Napicek and Jan B. Olszewski. He was one of four sons who enlisted in the U.S. military during WWII.

"Ski" made the U.S. Army his career. After World War II, while stationed in Japan, he assisted countless individuals and organizations including orphanages, senior care centers and churches who suffered war-torn losses from the battles and bombings. During this time he also met and (following a 2 year courtship) married his wife, Teresa Cecelia M. on July 2, 1949 and started their family. His help continued as he organized events for American soldiers to meet and adopt numerous Japanese orphans until he left Japan.

He was an Expert Rifleman, a ground combat soldier in the Korean War and was awarded a silver star and 2 bronze stars which he never spoke of. "Ski" served the majority of his military years in Japan and Virginia. He received awards, a citation and numerous medals (including an Army Commendation Medal), during his service. He retired as a Master Sergeant from the Army during the Vietnam War after over 20 years of service.

"Ski" retired to San Diego, CA, and worked as a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier in Hillcrest for more than 18 years. He loved dogs and carried biscuits for every dog on his route. He also carried postage stamps, to sell at face value, so the people living on his route didn't have to drive the Post Office.

In addition to his full time employment, he was a gateman and/or program seller at Southbay Speedway, El Cajon Speedway, Balboa Stadium, the Camel Grand Prix, the San Diego Sports Arena, PetCo Park and Qualcomm Stadium. He was also a Clubhouse Usher at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for 41 years, where his patrons and coworkers loved him for his eagerness to please and his hospitable nature.

"Ski" always made time for family and friends. His family was the core of his existence second only to God. He made the most of his days off with family outings and entertaining guests. For several years, he hosted Japanese students studying at Grossmont Jr. College and San Diego State University.

"Ski" loved to go fishing. Full or half-day charter fishing trips filled the 1st half of his years in San Diego. Taking outboard motor boats out from the local U.S. Naval base with his only grandson, Ben, and whomever else wanted to join them filled his latter years there.

"Ski " immensely enjoyed attending live performances at Lawrence Welk Theater, (Escondido), the Palm Springs Follies, the historic Ramona Pageant (Hemet), live outdoor Passion Plays on Easter (Hemet's Ramona Bowl), Ramona Bowl's Pageant performances, performances at local junior colleges, small theater plays (San Jacinto /Hemet), many performances by Seniors on Stage (Hemet) and the annual Christmas Production at Cornerstone Baptist Church (Hemet).

Proud soldier, hard worker, socialable, loving, friendly, openly whole-hearted, dedicated, ethical and generous were only some of his numerous esteemed qualities. He smiled with his entire face which beamed from his heart. His favorite saying was, "it is better to give than to receive", which he lived his life doing.

He was rarely without candy or packs of gum to give to people he met on a daily basis.

He had quite a backyard garden. He grew tomatoes, zuccini, Japanese cucumbers, Japanese eggplant, green beans and peas. On his embankment the trees he grew produced figs and loquats. On his level yard the trees he had were Navel oranges, grapefruit, lemon, Japanese tangerine and Hachiya persimmons. He gave pounds upon pounds of home-grown produce away to friends and relatives (even to his doctors) for as long as he could care for his garden.

He is survived by his son John C. Olszewki (67) of San Diego County, CA, daughter Ann "Annie" P. English (63) of Riverside County, CA, grandson Benjamin T. Pazdernik (Rebecca) of Seward, Alaska, nephews Ronald and Richard Olszewski of San Diego County, CA, niece Marlene Wright and nephews Bernard & Leo Sokolowski of Pittsburgh, PA, niece Cheryl Shalap and nephew Harry Payne Jr. of Virginia, Donald Olszewski of Ohio and nephew Stephen OlszewskI of Washington. He also has several great nephews and nieces in California, Washington, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

His "Celebration of Life" will be held at 9:30 AM on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at Jericho Road Christian Fellowship Church, located at 9407Jericho Road, La Mesa CA 91942. A short reception, with light refreshments, will follow in the church's Fellowship Hall. From the church parking lot, cars will be escorted to his Military Honors Ceremony in Miramar so cars can meet before the required regulation to line up and park, before 12:30, for the 1:00 PM service. (It can get windy, so please dress appropriately). Miramar National Cemetery is located at 5795 Nobel Road, San Diego CA 92122. Please look for the parking lane led by a white horse-drawn carriage for Cornelius Olszewski's Military Honors Service Ceremony. Guests are welcome to walk up to take photos with the horse during the line up.

"Ski" was a very practical and organized planner. He made his wishes very clear. Dark purple was his favorite color and will be displayed at his service. He wanted his religious service to be at Calvary Chapel El Cajon which later became Jericho Road Christian Fellowship in La Mesa, CA.

In lieu of flowers, he hoped people would donate, in his memory, to either of two charities. (He is still giving after God called him home!) They are: (Fr. Flanagan"s) Boy's Town http://www.boystown.org/Pages/how-you-help.aspx or to assist in research for whatever illness caused the end of his time on earth. The Alzheimer's Foundation provided a wealth of education and assistance during his last 5 years. Better understanding enabled the immediate family to keep "Ski" the happiest.

https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1&&utm_source=googlepaid&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=givinggoogle&s_subscr=givinggoogle&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0pmMsJHd2AIVksJkCh21uQ4HEAAYAyAAEgI5MPD_BwE

Arrangements entrusted to TRIDENT SOCIETY - Rancho Mirage, Rancho Mirage, CA.