Carl D. Olander

August 3, 1939-May 24, 2026

Carl Dennis Olander, 86, of Jamestown, NY, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, in Spotsylvania, VA, following a brief illness. He was comforted by the presence of his loving family in his final days.

Born on August 3, 1939, in Salamanca, NY, Carl was the cherished son of the late William C. and Pearl L. Olander. He grew up in Salamanca and attended Salamanca High School before proudly answering the call to serve his country. A veteran of the United States Navy, Carl served honorably from 1958 to 1962, including dedicated service aboard the USS Newport News from 1960 to 1962.

Carl was a man of strong work ethic and unwavering commitment. Following his military service, he worked briefly at Pep Boys, dedicated 20 years to Jamestown Plywood, and later worked with Salamanca Plastics and Quality Markets. He finally retired from Tops in November 2024, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dependable service.

Beyond his professional life, Carl had a profound love for nature and a generous spirit of community service. He was a past volunteer fireman for the Ashville Fire Department and proudly served as Commander for the Celoron Legion Post 777 from June 2017 to January 2019. An avid outdoorsman, Carl found great joy in hunting, riding his horses, and tending to his beloved dogs, goats, and chickens. He was widely known for his masterful storytelling, quick humor, and a genuine eagerness to always lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

He is survived by his five daughters: Laura Allen and her husband Chris of Spotsylvania, VA; Larissa Walrod and her husband Lucas of Phenix City, AL; Loretta Swanson of Mayville, NY; Tracy Olander of Stafford, VA; and Aubrae Neri husband Tony of Hague, VA. He also leaves behind nine adored grandchildren: Ashley Allen, Alicia Allen, Thomas Allen, Timothy Allen, Kaden Walrod, Tristan Walrod, Mackenzie Swanson, Michael Freeze, Christina Neri, and Michael Neri; as well as seven deeply loved great-grandchildren.

Carl is now reunited with his beloved wife, Barbara Olander, who preceded him in death. He was also greeted in passing by his parents, William and Pearl; his brother, Donald Olander; his sisters, Maryanne and Margie Olander; his grandson, Aaron Olander; and nephew Troy Olander.

To honor Carl’s explicit wishes, a formal funeral service will not be held. He will be laid to rest alongside his late wife, Barbara, at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Lakewood, NY.

For those wishing to honor Carl’s memory, the family kindly suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation (alzfdn.org) or to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org).