Wayne Olexa

Wayne Olexa, 76, of Crafton PA, formerly of Swissvale, PA passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021, after a long bout with the Steelers.  He was at his home with family when they went into overtime against the 0-8 Detroit Lions and that was all he could take.

Wayne was born on September 3, 1945, in Swissvale, Pennsylvania to Albert and Mary (Staley) Olexa. The youngest in the family, Wayne was an outgoing kid who excelled in athletics. A standout in baseball, football, and basketball at Swissvale High School, he graduated in 1963 after being selected to the All-WPIAL team and being named Outstanding Senior Athlete. He received a scholarship to Oklahoma State University where he attended one year before transferring to West Virginia Wesleyan. At West Virginia Wesleyan, he continued his athletic prowess playing three sports (baseball, football, basketball). He was named to the first team of the 1966 All West Virginia Athletic Conference football team and was co-captain of the 1967 Bobcats football squad.

Wayne was inducted into both the Swissvale High School Hall of Fame and the West Virginia Wesleyan’s Hall of Fame for all three sports; baseball, football, and basketball. He was invited to try out for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1966, and after playing semi-professional baseball, he eventually married his wife of 45 years Jolie Vogel Olexa.

He loved hunting, fishing, and the outdoors which he bestowed upon his children and grandchildren. His favorite place on earth was “The Camp ” where he still holds the record for the 2^ndbiggest buck. Wayne had a charisma and charm that was undeniable. He was far from perfect, but he was the patriarch of the family, and his loss is deeply felt by all. Wayne is survived by his wife Jolie (Vogel), daughters Allison (Ken) Dunlap and Tara (Corey) Madoni, and son Erik (Katie) Olexa. He is preceded in death by his son Keith, father and mother Albert and Mary, and his two brothers Richard and John. He had 11 grandchildren who loved him dearly and stayed by his side until the very end (Skylar, Payton, Dominic, Ayden, Scarlett, Quinton, Lillian, Sebastian, Piper, Tyler, and Landon).

We love and miss you already.

A service will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021, from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care 5405 Steubenville Pike, Robinson Township, PA 15136 with a visitation immediately following from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

Please watch Wayne’s tribute video at:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/7QLM2Y9BCWSSQFW5