CRAIG THEODORE OLESNEVICH, COMMANDER (SELECT)'s Obituary
Craig Theodore Olesnevich, Commander (Select) age 43 from San Pedro, CA, died Sunday, October 5, 2014 in San Pedro, CA. Craig was a native of Pittsburgh, PA. He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Jill, parents, Ted and Bonnie; two brothers, Jon (Sandra) of Pittsburgh, PA and Michael (Tracy) of NC; and a sister, Denise (Dan) Barrett of Pittsburgh, PA; father-in-law, Roy Mannikko of Watton, MI; sister-in-law Debbie Mannikko of Ludington, MI; brother-in-law Jim (Candice) Mannikko of Painesdale, MI; sister-in-law Ellen (Kevin) Shultz of Ewen, MI; brother-in-law Michael (Rebecca) Mannikko of Menasha, WI, brother-in-law Bruce (Shelley) Mannikko of Essexville, MI; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Ruby Mannikko and brothers-in-law Donald and Dale Mannikko.
Craig earned a B.S. degree in Criminology from Fairmont University and an M. S. in Information Management Technology from University of WI. Craig joined the United States Coast Guard in 1995 as an enlisted member and rose to the ranks of Commander during his 19.5 years of dedicated duty. During this time, assignments included: Coast Guard Recruit Basic Training, Cape May, NJ, Coast Guard Station Ludington, Ludington, MI; Coast Guard Aviation Technical Training Center Elizabeth City, NC; Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Clearwater, FL; Coast Guard Officer Candidate School, New London, CT; Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Toledo, Toledo, OH; Graduate School, University of Wisconsin, Menomonie, WI; Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C.; Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Paducah, Paducah, KY; Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, Sand Pedro, CA.
Craig had many passions in life including: spending time with his wife, caring for his Great Danes, golfing, surfing, mountain biking, wood carving, gardening, running, and snowmobiling. Craig loved traveling and was particularly fond of the Upper Peninsula of MI.
Craig’s Military Memorial Service will be held on October 14, 2014 at Reservation Point in San Pedro, CA, a viewing will be held at McNerney’s Mortuary on October 15, 2014 in San Pedro, CA.
A memorial funeral service was held at 2 p.m. at Reid Funeral Service and Chapel on October 25, 2014 in L’Anse, MI. with Pastor Mark Reinsch officiating. The family greeted friends at the funeral chapel on Saturday from 1 p.m. until the time of the memorial funeral service. Graveside services followed with full military honors in the Covington Cemetery. Following the interment, the family invited friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon at Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Envelopes are available at the funeral chapel.
The family of Craig would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the USCG, extended family, and friends who have given support during this difficult time.
What’s your fondest memory of CRAIG?
What’s a lesson you learned from CRAIG?
Share a story where CRAIG's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with CRAIG you’ll never forget.
How did CRAIG make you smile?