ALEXANDER F. OLEYKOWSKI JR.

APRIL 16, 1924 - JANUARY 23, 2023

Alexander Francis Oleykowski, Jr., 98, died Monday January 23, 2023, peacefully at home and will be reunited with his loving wife Stasia. He is survived by his close-knit and loving family of six children, Martha, Alexander, Michael, Nancy, John and Catherine, their spouses, twelve grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.

Born April 16, 1924, Alexander grew up in Port Richmond, Philadelphia. He was the son of the late Alexander Francis, Sr. and Frances Oleykowski (nee Piontkowski), and brother to five sisters, the late Anna Oleykowski, Mary Oleykowski, Frances Staniszewski (Edward), Rita Oleykowski, and Clare Klimkowski (Henry). Raised in a Polish-Catholic household in St. Laurentius Parish, Alexander spoke the Polish language and often said prayers and sang songs in Polish. As a young adult, he helped his father deliver coal and manage a parking garage. Throughout his life, Al enjoyed celebrating holidays incorporating the Polish traditions, Wigilia (Christmas Eve) and Swieconka (the blessing of the Easter baskets on Holy Saturday) first with his parents and sisters and then with Stasia, their children and his extended family. He took pride in passing on the Polish traditions to the next generations

Alexander attended Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia. In WW II he served in the U.S. Navy with a tour on Ascension Island. He married Stasia (Petner) in 1950. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph's College (now University) in 1951 and for the past 71 years was a proud St. Joe's alum and had the distinction of a being a "Golden Hawk" since 2001. He worked for the Upjohn (Pfizer) company as a pharmaceutical sales representative and retired as a customer service manager after 35 years of employment.

Al was a sports enthusiast, attending Phillies games in four stadiums over eight decades.  He also coached Little League baseball and spent many afternoons cheering his children and grandchildren as they played a variety of sports. When Alexander was not working, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, vacationing in Wildwood and at Shawnee Resort in the Poconos with his children and grandchildren, excursions to the Jersey Shore, eating crabs, telling stories, going to garage sales, tinkering in the garage, and playing pinochle and penny poker. He loved listening to polka music and in the past few years, with the help of his son John and "Alexa", the weekly Saturday morning radio show was tuned in at his home. On Labor Day weekends, he made it a point to attend the Polish-American Festival at the Czestochowa Shrine for live polka band entertainment.

Alexander is survived by his daughter Martha and husband Vincent Leva and granddaughter Dana, husband Andrew Couchara, granddaughter Nicole, husband Steve Leotta, great-granddaughter Sloane; his son Alexander, wife Kathleen, and granddaughter Jessica, husband Tom McKenna and great-grandsons Tommy, Ryan, and Shane; granddaughter Suzanne; granddaughter Andrea, husband John Cerniglia, great-grandchildren Johnny, Stella, and Lucy; grandson Alexander, wife Jenna, and great-granddaughters Brynn, and Ava; and granddaughter Caitlyn; his son Michael, wife Christina and granddaughter Lauren, granddaughter Leigh Ann, husband Lance Gawel and great-grandsons Landon and Lucas; and granddaughter Elizabeth;  his daughter Nancy, husband Joseph Opalka and grandson Joseph, wife Kati and great-grandson Gus, and grandson Andrew; his son John; and his daughter Catherine, husband Brian Bernatowicz

Uncle Al is also survived by his godchildren, nieces and nephews.

"Mr. O" and his family are greatly appreciative of the health care support that he received in his final years especially the care and friendship provided by Agatha Blake otherwise known as Maureen.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Saturday January 28, 2023 at Sacred Heart Church (316 E. Broadway Ave, Clifton Heights PA). Al's viewing will be held from 9:00am to 10:15am, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am. Following his mass we will meet at the cemetery for his graveside service.

Alexander desired to rest in peace at The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa Donations – The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa , or a charity of your choice.  Please note your donation is in memory of Alexander F. Oleykowski, Jr.