Obituary of Leonard T. Oleksy

Of Alden, February 7, 2024; Peacefully, Surrounded by his family; Beloved husband of 41 years of Barbara (nee Ciecierega) Oleksy; Devoted father of Sandra (Albert) Botti and Leonard (Roseann) Oleksy; Loving grandfather of Jennifer (Saverio) Zeisz-Rotella and Mykenzie Oleksy; Dear brother of Richard (Susan) Oleksy and the late Robert (Virginia) Oleksy; Also survived by nieces and nephews. As per Leonard’s wishes services are private. Leonard’s first love was his family, a star athlete at Depew High School it was on the football field that Len’s talent was evident to anyone who attended a football game during the four years he was in high school. His physical size was an asset and as a freshman he was placed on the varsity as a fullback. He played four years on the varsity team, the only athlete to do so during Coach Frank Constantino’s long and storied career. Len was a member of the 1959 undefeated team. He played both offense and defense, sometimes never coming off the field during games. He held numerous records at Depew for many years. One that still stands to this day; he ran 202 yards in seven carries and scored three touchdowns. In both his junior and senior year, he was named a Division II All Star. In his senior year he was named to the High School All American team, an honor only eleven players across the country earned. He also played basketball and was on the track team, where he broke records in shot put and discus. He was scouted by some college football teams but circumstances kept him close to home with a job at General Motors. He worked there for over forty years retiring in 2003. Len was a recipient of the Marine Rivalry Award, and is enshrined on the Depew High School Wall of Fame. An avid outdoorsman he loved fishing spending hours on his boat, “In My Day”, he was a rabid LA Dodgers fan, loved to travel and enjoyed relaxing on his deck in his backyard feeding the hummingbirds.