Obituary of Thomas Olexa

Thomas J. Olexa of Oxford, NJ died Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at the Care Center Of Brakeley Park, Lopatcong Township, NJ at the age of 88. Born July 25, 1918 in Phillipsburg, NJ, he was the Son of the late John and the late Elizabetth (Ferrence) Olexa. He was President of United Steelworkers of America Local 6036. Also worked for Mack Trucking in Somerville; Oxford Textiles; and Sanico Inc. He was a Welder, employed by Triumph Machinery, Hackettstown, NJ retiring in 1982. He was predeceased by his Wife, Vesta May (Whitmore) Olexa in 2005; Brothers: Andrew, Joseph, John, and William Olexa; Sister, Helen Fechisin Military:He served as Private First Class in the Army from February 1941 until October 1945 during World War II “Battle of the Bulge.” An anti-aircraft artillery crewman, operating 40MM weapons. Served in Iceland and the ETO. Was awarded 5 Bronze Battle Stars and Presidential Distinguished Unit Badge, American Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and European African middle Eastern Service Medal. Survivors: Daughter: Linda Muessig & Husband Douglas Oxford, NJ Daughter: Kahna Henry & Husband James Forest Grove, OR Step-daughter: Beverly Harper & Husband Robert Daytona Beach, FL Step-daughter: Connie Parks & Husband Edgar Daytona Beach, FL Step-daughter: Marion Gemi Washington, NJ Sister: Margaret Davis Phillipsburg, NJ Grandchild: Michelle Polcari Grandchild: Tammy Newhouse Grandchild: Douglas Muessig Jr Grandchildren: Kelly & Aaron Lee Great Grandchildren: 7 Great-grand Children Services: Friends may call Friday from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at DeVoe Funeral Services, Inc., 136 West Washington Avenue, Washington, NJ. Funeral service will be held Friday at 11:30 am at DeVoe Funeral Service Inc. Interment will be Friday in H.G. Smith Crematory, Stroudsburg. Memorials: May be made to the charity of ones choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.devoefuneral.com. Tributes: Tribute from: Brenda Whitmore Kemmerer To the Family, With heartfelt sympathy in your time of sorrow. Brenda Whitmore Kemmerer & Family Linda, Even though I did not know your Dad personally, I'm sure he was a wonderful person, because you are such a caring daughter, and I ""feel"" like I knew him from our many talks about him. My thoughts and prays go out to you and your family at this time. May your wonderful memories keep you strong and help you at this difficult time.Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. Marianna, Keith, and Rosette Stires (OGS) I would like to express my sympathy to you all at this time. I am Jim's daughter and unfortunately, know the loss and sorrow felt by all, in the Olexa family, in the past 5 months. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Lisa Olexa ""WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT"" WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY BRAD AND KELLY KAISER Tribute from: Pat & Don Phillips Linda, Bev,Connie & families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Pat & Don