Mark J. Friel

Olean- Mark J. Friel of 320 N. 2nd Street, passed away Friday (December 3, 2021) at the Olean General Hospital, with his family by his side.

Born February 26, 1953 in Olean, he was the son of the late, Thomas Kelly and Catherine Teresa Dwyer Friel.   He married his high school sweetheart, Sharon L. Yaudes on April 8, 1972, she predeceased him on June 21, 2020.  Mark died on the same day as Sharon’s birthday, and they were reunited “always and forever.”

Mark, and his brother, Thomas owned M & T coil cleaning and bar supplies from 1975-1982.  He also drove tour bus for 25 years for various companies including, Blue Bird Coach lines, Coach USA, and Covered Wagon, and was currently semi- retired from Niagara Scenic Tours. He loved to travel and was fortunate enough to meet great people and friends, while touring.  Mark later worked for New York State Department of Transportation.

He was a member of the CC Club, the Olean American Legion Post 530, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the St. Stephen’s Club.  Mark will be remembered as a true family man that loved his two girls. His whole family knew they could call on him to help them with anything. In his free time, he enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and spending time with his family.

He is survived by; his two daughters, Jamie Friel and Traci Ellis, both of Olean; four grandchildren, Tyra, Jaelynn, Tori, and Trey; two great-grandchildren, J’Kobi and Jahmeer; and a very special nephew, Joel Yaudes.

In addition to his wife, Mark was predeceased by; two brothers, Michael P. Friel in 1967 and Thomas K. Friel in 2009.

At Mark’s request, there will be no services.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the SPCA, 2944 Route 16N, Olean.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean. If you would like to express a condolence or share a story about Mark, please visit www.guentherfh.com.