Dr. Peter D. Olenen

Dr. Peter Dmytri Olenen, 76, a resident of the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and formerly of Fredonia and Westtown, New York, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026 after a long illness.

Born on November 1, 1949, at Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan, New York, Peter was the son of the late Nicholas Olenen and Melanie Sawitsky. From an early age, he demonstrated a strong intellect, curiosity, and dedication to learning that would guide him throughout his life.

Peter graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York, in 1967. He went on to attend New York University’s Washington Square College of Arts and Sciences, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1971. Pursuing his lifelong desire to help others, he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine as part of its prestigious accelerated three-year program. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Bronx Municipal Hospital Center in June 1974.

Peter began his medical career as a practicing physician in Suffern, New York, from 1978 to 1981. He later joined IBM, where he spent 24 years specializing in Occupational Medicine. Throughout his career, he was respected for his knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to the well-being of others. During his time at IBM, he authored one of the chapters in the book Preventing Workplace Violence by Timothy Dineen, contributing his expertise to an important area of workplace health and safety.

While Peter took pride in his professional accomplishments, his greatest devotion was to his family as a committed husband and father. Following his retirement in 2005, he dedicated himself to caring for those he loved. He found joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren and took pride in their lives and accomplishments. He will be remembered for his intelligence, strong work ethic, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his family.

Peter is survived by his three children, Michael Olenen, Paul Olenen, and Mary (Jonah) Brock; his beloved grandchildren, Ailis and Ivan Brock; and his brother, William Olenen. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Patricia Olenen, whom he married at St. Kevin’s Roman Catholic Church in Flushing, NY on July 26, 1971.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Dunkirk, NY at a later date. There will be no prior visitation. Interment will take place at Holy Trinity Cemetery. Arrangements are by R. Michael Mackowiak III; McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, 736 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY. Share condolences at, www.mcgrawkowalfuneralhome.com