John Edward Olsta

With love and admiration for a life well lived, we mourn the passing of John (Jack) E. Olsta on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

Born in August of 1942 to Elma and Edward Olsta, Jack spent his early years on Staten Island, NY and then in Bloomfield, NJ. It was there that he met the love of his life in 7th grade, proudly announcing to his mother after school one day, “I met the girl I’m going to marry.” His proclamation was the beginning of what would become a 74-year, life journey together with his girl.

Jack attended Lehigh University where he was an active member of the “spirited” Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, a talented jazz musician and developing leader. Along the way, in 1965, he married his grade-school sweetheart, Ann. They would go on to enjoy nearly 59 years of marriage together. Graduation came in 1967 for Jack in the form of a degree in Mathematics.

Jack’s professional life began with a sales position at The Heil Company in Lancaster, PA., a family-owned manufacturer of bulk tank equipment. In the early 70’s he accepted a new work assignment that brought him and his young family to Huntsville, Texas where they put down deep roots and remained for 46 years. During Jack’s 22 years with Heil, he developed a reputation as a fierce customer advocate with a steeled work ethic. In 1987, Jack hung his own shingle and started The Jack Olsta Co. He continued to travel the gulf coast, providing support and solutions to his customers. Single unit fleet or major oil, they were all the same to Jack… people in need of assistance… customers who became valued friends. Jack officially retired in 2007 but continued to spend cherished time at the office. His late arrival, walks through the office to stir things up a bit, followed by a lunch together have been missed by many. Jack’s corporate vision developed into an industry leading, community and life changing organization, touching the lives of over 100 local families.

Jack was perhaps best recognized around town by his blue Yankee hat, but he wore so many hats: son, brother, husband, father, grandfather who answered to PJ (Papa-Jack) or Grandpa Jack, world-traveler, carpenter, photographer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, baseball enthusiast, teacher, coach, Jack of all trades, birdwatcher, friend, scuba diver, fan of good food, co-worker, part-time cattleman, amateur heavy equipment operator, loving instigator, encourager… he was our biggest fan.

Jack is survived by his wife, Ann C. Olsta; two daughters: Susan Crockett and Kristine Olsta; and son: John and wife Michelle Olsta; six grandchildren: Lindsay, Brady, Benjamin and Ryan Crockett, along with Anna Olsta and John E. Olsta III; sister: Doris Nay; brother-in-law: Pete Claussen; beloved canine: Joy. Jack was preceded in death by his parents: Elma and Edward Olsta; brother-in-law: Charlie Nay; sister-in-law: Linda Claussen.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Jack’s love of youth baseball and a shared sense of community responsibility, the family requests that donations be made to the Aaron Judge All Rise Foundation.