Paul Blazejewski
1940 - 2023

OLEAN - Paul A. Blazejewski, a lifelong resident of the Olean and Allegany area, passed away Friday (Sept. 22, 2023) at the Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of Olean, following a lengthy illness.

Born April 22, 1940, in Olean, he was the son of Stephen F. and Agnes C. Jordan Blazejewski. On June 23, 1962, he married June E. Hitchcock, who predeceased him on Dec. 28, 2022.

Paul graduated from Olean High School, Class of 1958. He also attended St. Bonaventure University. In high school, he worked at the Chuck Wagon restaurant and was later a butcher at A&P Grocery.

With the help of his family, he built the family home on top of Chapel Hill in Allegany where he resided until recently.

In 1969, he completed an apprenticeship and joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 351. For many years he was employed as an electrician at G. Willard Electric Co. and later for Kel-Kur Electric, both in Olean. Late in his career, he was an electrical inspector for the Town of Great Valley.

Paul also served as Treasurer for the Cattaraugus County Magistrates Association and was elected Town Justice for the Town of Humphrey.

In the 1980s, Paul and June were in-home caregivers to several special needs individuals. During that time, they discovered a passion for raising tropical fish and helped establish the Allegany River Valley Aquarium Society (ARVAS), a club for like-minded fish enthusiasts. They won many awards for breeding and showing various species. Paul was also an editor for the ARVAS publications.

Paul loved being a grandpa and fishing. He had an especially keen sweet tooth and even a keener sense of humor.

Paul is survived by two sons, Tim (Kim Teuscher) Blazejewski and Brian (Bethany) Blazejewski, both of Olean; grandchildren Jordan (Rachel Woeller) Blazejewski, Bradley Blazejewski, Brenton Blazejewski, Ashley Blazejewski-Coutant, Shelby (Matt) Falk, Alexander Blazejewski, Sarah (Mike) Ganoung, Adam Stark, Matthew Blazejewski, Lauren Blazejewski and Ryan Blazejewski; great-grandchildren Kevin and Jennifer Falk; his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Ginger Blazejewski of Olean; his sister Susan Hartloff of Elma; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with his wife, Paul was predeceased by his parents; a nephew, Stephen Kratt; and a brother-in-law, Nelson (Gus) Hartloff.

Friends will be received from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 26, 2023) at the Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 Route 417 West, Olean. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1 p.m. in the funeral home. Rev. Michael Reyes, OFM, pastor of St. Bonaventure Church, will officiate.

Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of WNY, 6400 Sheridan Dr., Suite 320, Buffalo, NY 14221.