Peter Kevin Olanich

Peter Kevin Olanich, a beloved husband and friend passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital, Orwigsburg at the age of 67 after a courageous eight-year battle with cancer.

He was born in the former Ashland State Hospital on January 24, 1958.

Pete graduated from North Schuylkill High School, Class of 1975 with a passion for martial arts and kickboxing. He dedicated his life to the art and fought professionally for many years. He owned a martial arts studio where he trained hundreds in Okinawan Goju-Ryu and held the rank of Hachi-Dan.

In 2001, he married the love of his life, Tina M. Wagner. They resided in Pottsville since 2004.

He loved to ride his motorcycle, shoot pool, and enjoyed watching movies with his wife and friends. His unconditional love was constant in the many lives he touched. He had a deep love for animals and had a special bond with his little pooch, Ray, and sweet cat, Luca.

He is survived by his wife, Tina M. Olanich; sister, Susan Isabelle Holiday and her companion Bill Bender of St. Clair and her sons, Cory Holiday and Tyler Olanich of Pottsville; sister-in-law, Pamela Murray and her husband Sean and their daughter, Jillian; brother-in-law, Stephen Wagner and his daughters, Sierra and Lauren; mother-in-law, Dolores Wagner of Fountain Springs; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by three sisters, Stephanie Novotny, Melissa Olanich and Evelyn Madden; and father-in-law, Ken Wagner.

Divine Liturgy will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 10:00 am in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, Centralia with Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko officiating. Following Divine Liturgy all are invited to attend a celebration of Pete’s life at the Fountain Springs Country Inn. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to the Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, PA 17901. Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home, 40 South Market Street, Mount Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz III, Supervisor has been entrusted with the arrangements. To offer condolences to Pete’s family, please sign the guestbook below.