Arthur "John" Olin, 80.5, of Ransomville, NY, passed away Monday January 14th, 2013 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY, after a valiant and courageous fight. Born in Clifton, NJ he was the son of the late Frank and Margaret (Boyco) Curcio.


Ever since "John", as he was known to family and friends, was a child, he wanted to be a sailor in the United States Navy. He proudly served in the United States Navy as a Boatswain's mate from 1948 until his honorable discharge in 1953, and was awarded the European Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal and a Medal for Valor. John's tour of duty allowed him to visit 44 countries. While onboard ship John was able to use his love of fishing and provide many fish dinners for his shipmates. President John F. Kennedy once said, "I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction. I served in the United States Navy." This is exactly how John Olin felt. He said, "I loved marine life as much as I loved life. It was thrilling and an honor to be a sailor in the United States Navy."


John worked at Walter Kidde Co. in New Jersey. He came to Buffalo, NY in 1978 and served as President and District Sales Manager for Do All Corp. in Buffalo, NY. He also worked as a Journeyman Toolmaker, Machinist and Foreman at Carborundum Corporation in Niagara Falls, NY, and as an Applications Engineer for RTW, Arkansas servicing the areas of Western New York and Canada. He achieved over one million dollars in sales in his first year of employment at RTW. He was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, charter member of the American Legion Post #830 in Ransomville, NY and a Hunter Safety Instructor for over 20 years in New Jersey. John also enjoyed gardening, especially growing hot peppers and tomatoes. John revolutionized the neighborhood for the better with his unique ability, style and flare while maintaining their landscaping around their home, and will be remembered also for his cooking skills, especially his mouth watering venison cutlets. He was described as a "man's man" with a dynamic personality, and a great sense of humor; recalling and reciting every joke he ever heard. He knew the value of friendship and knew how to be a friend. John also immensely enjoyed hunting, fishing and especially fly-fishing.


John is survived by the love of his life, Geraldine (Batrouny) Olin, who he married in 1980; four children Joli (Rick) Nelson, Steven Olin, Dr. John (Dr. Jean Roniger) Olin, and Susan Fells, all of New Jersey; three grandchildren Nicholas Olin, Joey Nelson, and Tabitha Nelson; his brother Frank (Ginnie) Curcio of MA; his sister Marie Foutros of NJ; very special nieces, Nicole and Michelle Santoro who he called his "Dollies", who said that Uncle John, "always gave the best advice"; nephews, Michael and David Curcio of MA, and Chris and John Papachristoudis of NJ.


Visitation will be Thursday 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD., NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Friday January 18th at 9:30 AM, followed by a funeral service at 10 AM. in St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1073 Saunders Settlement Road, Niagara Falls, NY with Very Rev. Paul R. Solberg officiating. Trisagion Prayers will be offered on Thursday at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment with military honors in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Memorials may be made to Canine Helpers for the Handicapped, Inc., 5699 Ridge Rd. Lockport, NY 14094, American Heart Association, Hearts Gift Processing Center, PO BOX 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220 or Blind Association of WNY, 1160 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14209.