Stanley John Olander, 96, of South Windsor, beloved husband of the late Carolyn (Reed) Olander died peacefully on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at Manchester Manor, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 5, 1921 in Seymour, CT, son of the late Thomas and Katheren (Biatczak) Olander. Stanley grew up in Manchester and was a graduate of Cheney Tech. He went on to serve our country with the U.S. Navy during WWII. He served aboard the U.S.S. Franklin and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal when his ship was hit by Kamikaze fighters. Upon returning home after the war Stanley went to work for Colt Manufacturing in Hartford and later went to work for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, retiring in 1981 after 35 years of service. He was a resident of South Windsor since 1971. Stanley was a collector of artifacts and memorabilia. He was a New England Patriots fan, and enjoyed his Saturday trips to Foxwoods. He cherished his Manchester Mall meetings with his friend Eli and his coffee on Sundays with his friend Mike. Stanley was a man of simple pleasures and lived life his own way. He will be dearly missed. He leaves his son, Skip Olander, and his wife Tracy of Mansfield Center; his sister, Irene Welskop of Meriden; his grandchildren, Jaime Olander and her partner Kelsey, Ryan Olander, Tyler Olander, and Morgan Olander; and his two great grandchildren, Gram and Lila. He was predeceased by his siblings, Harry Olander, Stella Mozzer, Mary Limrick, and Edward Olander. His family will receive friends on Thursday, January 25, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor. A private burial at the request of his family with Military Honor will take place in Wapping Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: John Fidler Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Linda Malavasi, East Hampton High School, 15 North Maple St. (The John Fidler Way) East Hampton, CT 06424. Please visit us at http://www.carmonfuneralhome.com for online condolences and guest book.

Published in The Hartford Courant on Jan. 24, 2018