John was one of my best friends he was the best man in my wedding one of the greatest guys I’ve ever met and ever known along with his wife Karen is one of the sweetest women I’ve ever known also.
His daughter was born during my wedding when Karen went into labor the morning of my wedding and his first daughter was born that afternoon during our ceremony.

Sending my deepest sympathy and condolences to the “Oles” family ,, a good guy , dedicated to his family , his job and his volunteer service to Crotononhudson fire dept ..whenever I seen him and wherever it was I always asked him and said ,” Hi Stretch , Hows the weather up there?”he always smiled knew it was coming ! Now he’s in Heaven looking down on his beautiful family and he knows how the weather is up there !!May he RIP . Amen 

Karen, Kristen and Kimmi....

Words can’t express the shock and sorrow that both Dani and I have been feeling after learning about John’s passing. Fully accepting that he is gone, is something that just doesn’t seem right – and will take a long time to comprehend for everyone that knew him.

Some of our best memories of John are those spent with you all when visiting New Hampshire – whether at the Lake or Mom and Dad’s house. And of course...those memories involved food – whether prepping meals or enjoying laughs at the dinner table. I can still picture him standing on the deck at the lake – patiently watching his steaks or burgers cook to perfection while the day was slowly coming to and end. The man was good on the grill. We will greatly miss having those meals together this summer, but will fondly remember the ones from years passed.

And let’s not forget perhaps the most epic tubing ride done on Mascoma Lake! John was always a fan of the water – wanting to make the BIG  splash. Seeing him whip around in circles, bouncing off the waves at high speed – yet still holding on longer than anyone ever behind our boat....THAT WAS A FUN DAY! And one of our best memories of him.

He was a devoted husband and father whose strength in family was evident to everyone who knew him. His passion for helping others was clear in everything he did, and the world was a better place with him in it.

Though he left us all way too early, his spirit shines brightly through the three of you. Cherish that everyday.

All our love,
Stephen and Dani

Today I honored my lifelong friend by climbing the Torne in Fort Montgomery. The Torne is a 3/4 mile rock scramble that for years soldiers have carried stones to the top to honor the fallen. Though my heart condition and COPD did prevent me from carrying a stone I did feel fighting my issues to make the climb was a good socially distant way to honor a lifelong friend. 

Dear Dolores Karen  Kimmie, and Kristen
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.  May John RIP.
Love 
Peg Sperano Kniser

All our love to you all. Such a good guy. Our hearts ache for you and we wish you all peace as you grieve.  I always got such a kick out of him, a real good guy.

Love,
Dave & Susan & all the Konigs 

Dear Family,
My son, Carlton took an interest in firefighting as an explorer. He was welcomed into Ladder 44 and mentored by all of the oldtimers. Over time, he rose through the ranks, even learning to drive  Ladder 44 under "Stretch's" capable instruction. Along the way, he learned valuable lessons about organization, discipline,  teamwork and accountability. I can't say enough about the positive impact of this mentorship on my son.
Thank you Stretch, for all you did for our village over the course of your impressive life and career.!!
RIP Friend!

Stretch, I met you through the firehouse at Washington Engine and you were always there for me and my family. You were always the first to console during bad times and always able to put a smile on faces. Your contagious humor and demeanor will  always be the first thing I will remember. You will be missed by all and we will never forget. We will take it from here. Condolences to your family and may they cherish the moments. Love Ferg

John "Stretch" as anyone can testify was a gentle giant that had an open heart and always there to help when needed, whether asked or by his own doing. Growing up in small village our families all watched over each others children...As teens we all had fun and still had caring watchful eyes, our Fire Department families continued watch, than when we could join our call came to us. John was a noticeable firefighter, like his dad John "Jack", and brother Doug, probably because they were magnificent presences always helping others. Thier Chief at home Dolores assured they operated on compassion, empathy, respect with plenty of dignity and a whole lot of love. John was blessed to marry Karen, they would have two of the prettiest and smartest daughter's that were truly blessed to have the gift of this Special Earth Angels 100% love and attention. He became Thier Hero, he showered them with the best gift of being Daddy's Girls. Our hearts were broken when we learned the news of his illness and many communities that John belonged to prayed, God knew he needed this Magnificent Angel back home, so we shall say, Thank you John for serving us well while here on Earth. You filled the role of Earth Angel with 101% gratitude. You will be sorely missed by many and a promise to watch over your family went into affect immediately. We shall see you soon, May your family and friends find peace in all the happy memories you shared with them. My Heartfelt condolences to Dolores, Karen, Kristin, Kimmy, Doug and family. Tracey

John I will always remember our old Diesel shop days when we worked and clowned around together we had so many great times there with George, Timmy S, one day Juan , and Bill Carlin and Adolph. I'm so going to miss our chats about family and just talking to you, I miss you my friend I pray for Karen and your beautiful daughters and your mom my they find Peace and comfort knowing how much we loved John (stretch) until we meet again....

Dear Karen ,Kristen and Kimmi There are no words that I can say how much I will miss that big smile of such a great friend and brother  John was to me.I want to let you know the three of you will always  be in my prayers and in my heart Rember Loretta and me or always here for you
                                 Love
                                     Bill Cerrato

I knew Johnny for many years When we worked together at Harmon shop. Over the years the more we talked I realized how genuine he was. He would often stop by my carpenter shop sit for a bit and we would joke about nuts we worked with. And we would comment that we were just as nuts as they were. The last time I saw him was in 2009 when I retired he wished me luck gave me a hug. To me he was a kid in a giant's body .he had a heart of gold. I  an proud to have had his friendship. GOD SPEED MY FREND. 

Dear Karen Krisren and Kimmi
There are no words to express how sorry we are for your loss.
I will always remember John playing with Carissa when she was young.  We keep you in our prayers.  Love Loretta Bill and Carissa 

Karen Kristen and Kimmie 
I still can’t believe he’s gone as I know you feel the same.  He was such a special person.  Everyone loved him. He had a heart of gold.  Always willing to help anyone at anytime for anything.   Please accept my most heartfelt condolences and  also to Dolores and Doug.    Why is a question that I’m sure all of us are asking   But know he is watching and protecting his two precious daughters and missing his beloved wife.   Love to you all 

My condolences to you all in this Very hard time. What a great man to cherish his daughters and to adore his family and friends . Always, Such a kind person. John will be missed by all who knew him .. 
Rest In Peace..🙏


Dear Karen, Kristen and Kimmi,
We are so very sorry for your great Loss.  Still very hard to believe John is gone.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  May the Good Lord watch over all of you and give you peace. God Bless.
Loving Sympathy,
Gemma and Joe & Family



My condolences to Karen and Johns family. Such a great guy, I'm going to miss him.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Karen , all the Oles family and those who mourn and will miss John. John was truly part of the fabric which makes Croton what it is - a community. We will miss seeing him in the supermarket and all he did for Croton.
                Cathie & Bob Elliott

I am really gonna miss Johnny. I cant believe he is gone. we worked so close for many years. R.I.P. our prayers go out to to karen and the girls. Love chuck and joy conklin

Karen, Kristen, and Kimberly, please accept my sincerest apologies for your great loss. I wish there were words or actions to take your pain away. You are a precious family. Always know my family's and my prayers are with you always.

Dear members of the Oles Family: My family on Benedict Boulevard wishes to extend our most sincere condolences  to the extended Oles family for the sudden passing of John.  For many decades the Oles family has been an integral part of the social fabric of the Croton community—from the railroad to the fire department and beyond. As a former village trustee and mayor, I got to witness that selfless public service fist hand on multiple occasions.  We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers. Sincerely, Leo Wiegman and Julie Evans. 

Our deepest sympathy to you Karen and your daughters.
We do not have the correct words to ease your pain. 
Knowing John and having him in one’s life, was a gift.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Karen my thoughts are with you and your family at this time. I will always remember the good times Joe and I had with you and John. 
What sticks in my mind the most is when Joe and I got married the same same day Kristen was born. John was best man and  still stood up there for Joe. He was shaking like a leaf.  He was a great man. I will always remember him. 
My prayers are with you
Trish

Our memory of John will always be one of a happy sweet sentimental guy.. when in his company he always made you feel you were the most important person at that moment.. that is a gift.. don't dwell on how sad this is know that he will be watching over all of “his” girls , our deepest sympathy~Susan and Buddy Lindauer~


Karen, so sorry to hear about Johns passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at such a difficult time.  Frank and Tricia Schweithelm

John I just can’t believe that your gone may you Rest In Peace. Our sincere sympathies to Karen, Kristen and Kimberly and the entire Oles Family. The Rasches

Our prayers are with your family ... May they find the strength to go on ... Life goes so quick ... It seems like yesterday when we were little kids growing up on King Street ... RIP Johnny

OBITUARY

John L. Oles

29 August, 1962 – 13 April, 2020

Edward F. Carter Funeral Home

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