Obituary for Gary Keith Olmstead
It is with great sorrow that we tell of the passing of Gary Keith Olmstead, loving and devoted husband of Amanda (Giglio) Olmstead, of Coventry, CT, on April 11th 2021 at Manchester Memorial Hospital surrounded by his heartbroken family, after a brief but devastating illness.
Gary was born Feb. 7th 1956 during a blizzard in Springfield, MA to the late Richard F. Olmstead and the late Lois (Oesterling) Case. He grew up in South Windsor, CT, never missing a day of school in 12 years. After graduating with honors, he attended CCSU briefly before joining the Army as an MP, serving his time on a mountaintop in Germany, then attending the University of Maryland where he earned a degree in business. He managed a Cumberland Farms in East Hartford before landing a job at Drakes Bakeries as a route salesman, a job he held for over 30 years, delivering cake all across CT throughout his career. The job earned him the name "Duckman" and most who knew him just called him "Duck." After retiring, and for years before that, he helped his wife at her business Lyndale Stand in Bolton, waiting the counter, talking up customers, and being so helpful in any way he could.
Gary said he had a bad day once and didn't like it, so he lived his life with an upbeat, optimistic attitude, always cheerful and quick witted. Even after several joint replacements, he always persevered and powered through. He made himself available to anyone who needed help, be it a ride or pet-sitting or helping with tasks. A solid, steady, trustworthy friend that you could always count on. He touched so many lives.
Gary loved to follow sports and he was a diehard NY Mets, NY Giants, UConn and pro wrestling fan. He loved to play golf with his friends. He took great pride in taking care of his yard and his home. His passions also included politics, finance, history and current events, all of which he could keenly converse about. He met with his buds every day for 30 years at 2:00pm at the "office" for a beer and a lively discussion. So many people are going to miss him.
But most of all, Gary, Poppy O to his grandchildren, loved and doted on his family. Besides his wife of almost 33 years, he leaves behind daughters Sarah (Evan) Goodness of Cameron Park, CA, and Kimberly (Brian) Dunn of Columbia, CT; step-son Gregory Bub of Bolton, CT; grandchildren Andrew, Isobella and James Goodness, Avery and Lola Dunn; sisters Janet Olmstead-Quinn (Mike) of West Haven, CT, and Sandra (Joseph) Cantone of Hebron, CT; brother Richard (Christine) Olmstead of Ellington, CT; nieces and nephews Tim, Ricky, Jacki, Joey and Amber; aunt Barbara (Chuck) Haynes and uncle Paul (Paula) Oesterling, both of RI; and his oh so many great, wonderful friends. A special shout-out to Coach, Romar, Paulie, Peter, Norman and John.
Because of Covid concerns, there will be no calling hours. The entire family will host a memorial gathering in June to celebrate Gary's life, the date, time and place to be announced in the near future. Memorial contributions in Gary's honor can be made to the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or the CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd. Newington, CT 06111. Coventry-Pietras Funeral Home in Coventry, CT has charge of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com
Gary was born Feb. 7th 1956 during a blizzard in Springfield, MA to the late Richard F. Olmstead and the late Lois (Oesterling) Case. He grew up in South Windsor, CT, never missing a day of school in 12 years. After graduating with honors, he attended CCSU briefly before joining the Army as an MP, serving his time on a mountaintop in Germany, then attending the University of Maryland where he earned a degree in business. He managed a Cumberland Farms in East Hartford before landing a job at Drakes Bakeries as a route salesman, a job he held for over 30 years, delivering cake all across CT throughout his career. The job earned him the name "Duckman" and most who knew him just called him "Duck." After retiring, and for years before that, he helped his wife at her business Lyndale Stand in Bolton, waiting the counter, talking up customers, and being so helpful in any way he could.
Gary said he had a bad day once and didn't like it, so he lived his life with an upbeat, optimistic attitude, always cheerful and quick witted. Even after several joint replacements, he always persevered and powered through. He made himself available to anyone who needed help, be it a ride or pet-sitting or helping with tasks. A solid, steady, trustworthy friend that you could always count on. He touched so many lives.
Gary loved to follow sports and he was a diehard NY Mets, NY Giants, UConn and pro wrestling fan. He loved to play golf with his friends. He took great pride in taking care of his yard and his home. His passions also included politics, finance, history and current events, all of which he could keenly converse about. He met with his buds every day for 30 years at 2:00pm at the "office" for a beer and a lively discussion. So many people are going to miss him.
But most of all, Gary, Poppy O to his grandchildren, loved and doted on his family. Besides his wife of almost 33 years, he leaves behind daughters Sarah (Evan) Goodness of Cameron Park, CA, and Kimberly (Brian) Dunn of Columbia, CT; step-son Gregory Bub of Bolton, CT; grandchildren Andrew, Isobella and James Goodness, Avery and Lola Dunn; sisters Janet Olmstead-Quinn (Mike) of West Haven, CT, and Sandra (Joseph) Cantone of Hebron, CT; brother Richard (Christine) Olmstead of Ellington, CT; nieces and nephews Tim, Ricky, Jacki, Joey and Amber; aunt Barbara (Chuck) Haynes and uncle Paul (Paula) Oesterling, both of RI; and his oh so many great, wonderful friends. A special shout-out to Coach, Romar, Paulie, Peter, Norman and John.
Because of Covid concerns, there will be no calling hours. The entire family will host a memorial gathering in June to celebrate Gary's life, the date, time and place to be announced in the near future. Memorial contributions in Gary's honor can be made to the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or the CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd. Newington, CT 06111. Coventry-Pietras Funeral Home in Coventry, CT has charge of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com