Paul P. Olszewski

Paul P. Olszewski “Ski”, 85 years of age, Retired Lieutenant of the Rhode Island State Police passed away peacefully on Wednesday July 20, 2022, with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Gloria (Felici) Olszewski for 57 years.

Born in Pawtucket, a son of the late Joseph and Mary (Maciag) Olszewski, he resided in Cranston and Juno Beach, FL.

“Ski” was a Lieutenant for the Rhode Island State Police for 22 years before retiring in 1982.  He was a member of the first RI State Police SWAT team. Following his retirement, he became the Assistant Director of Security for the Rhode Island School of Design for 20 years. He also enjoyed a part time job as a courier for the RI YMCA. He proudly served his country in the US Navy aboard the USS Shangri-La.

He was an active member of the Rhode Island State Police Associates, a member of the Board of Directors for the Northeast Colleges and Universities Security Association, Board Member of the Juno Shore Condo Association, and a member of the East Natick Veterans Association.

“Ski” loved spending his winters in beautiful Juno Beach, Florida with his wife and close friends. He was an avid outdoorsman, fishing the waters in and around Narragansett Bay, and spending the fall hunting. “Ski” enjoyed hosting many of the year’s lobster boils and game dinners at his Cranston home. He especially enjoyed his many trips to Maine with family and friends. He loved attending his granddaughter’s athletic events and activities. Above all Ski was loyal and dedicated to his family, friends, the Rhode Island State Police, and his country.

Besides his wife, he leaves his son Paul (Marta) and his granddaughter Brianna Kayla, the light of his life, and his son Scott (Chrissie). He was the brother of Fr. Laurence Olszewski C.S.C., and the late Edward, Helen, Jessie (Tierney), and was a father figure to his niece Cheryl (Petrarca) Lyon and nephew Joseph Brito. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.

His funeral will leave Monday July 25, 2022, at 10:30 from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory 1278 Park Ave., Cranston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am at Holy Apostles Church, 800 Pippin Orchard Rd., Cranston. Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 70 Church St., West Warwick. VISTING HOURS will be held Sunday from 3:00-6:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to HopeHealth Hospice and Palliative Care.1085 N. Main St. Providence, RI 02904.