John P. Kolata

Olean- John P. Kolata, of 1007 Queen Street, Olean, passed away Saturday (June 19, 2021) at the Olean General Hospital.

Born May 4, 1934 in Olean, he was the son of the late, John and Anna Levandoski Kolata. On April 27, 1957, in the former Transfiguration Church in Olean, he married the former Gladys A. “Sue” Zelko, who predeceased him on April 12, 2016.

John was a graduate of Olean High School. He enlisted in the United States Army from 1955-1957 and later worked as an engineer for Dresser Clark Bros in Olean.

He was a member of St. John’s Church in Olean and a longtime member of the National Rifle Association and the Olean Rod and Gun Club.  In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing.

Surviving are four children; Phillip (Kim) Kolata of Shepherdstown, W. Virginia, Karen Kolata of Olean, Daniel Kolata of Minnesota, and James (Holly) Kolata of Belfast; five grandchildren, Chris, Aaron, Chelsea, Andrew, and Alex; six great-grandchildren, Peyton, Paisley, Lucas, Da’vion, Liam, and Julianna; several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, who was like his brother, Tom Wallon of Englewood Florida.

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his siblings; Leonard Kolata, Joseph Kolata, Mary Martin, and Helen Wallon.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean. Funeral services will be held on Thursday (June 24, 2021), beginning with a prayer service in the funeral home at 9:30am, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10am in St. John’s Church. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany. Full military honors will be accorded by the Allegany American Legion ritual team.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Olean Rod and Gun Club, 2023 Wayman Branch Road, Olean. Online condolences, may be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.