David H. Ollerenshaw

Mr. David H. Ollerenshaw, age 48, of Little Falls, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at his home. Born in New Hartford on November 5, 1958, David was the son of Pasqualina R. “Lena” (DeBrango) Ollerenshaw and the late Robert H. “Ollie” Ollerenshaw. Raised and educated locally, he attended Mt. Carmel Elementary School, and graduated from T. R. Proctor High School in 1977. He subsequently studied culinary arts at M.V.C.C. On July 19, 1997 he married the former Dela Vallette. The companionship, devotion, closeness, and happiness they shared were clearly a blessing to their 10 year marriage. David’s passion for cooking was demonstrated when he was employed in the restaurant industry, lastly at the Aylesbury Inn, and his culinary talents were known to all who took pleasure from his meals. He was a Correctional Officer for over 17 years with the New York State Department of Corrections. He served with the Fishkill, and Albion facilities, and currently with the Marcy Correctional Facility. A jokester by nature, David enjoyed bringing laughter to others. He was respected and loved by his family and friends as a decent man with a solid nature. He loved children and had a special closeness with his nieces and nephews. To his brothers, David was not only a loyal friend and confidante, but a man of his word. He aspired to be the best person he could be, by sharing with others and loving his family. His dogs filled his life and home with a simple joy, and he treated them as if they were his children. He enjoyed many relaxing and serene bonfires at his home, a place which he truly loved and appreciated. He found excitement in playing card games, and was a competitive Scrabble player; he looked forward to his weekly games with his mom. David is survived by his wife, Dela; his mother, Lena; his step-daughter, Holly Swiderski of Vernon; his grandson, Austin Mark; and his brothers and their families, Robert P. and Vicki Ollerenshaw of Chenango Forks, NY, Gary T. Ollerenshaw and Brian Thompson of Utica, John C. Ollerenshaw and his fiancée Gloria Brewer of Utica, Louis J. Ollerenshaw of Westmoreland, and Francis S. and Cynthia Ollerenshaw of Marcy. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews, Rebecca, Christopher, Joseph, and Eric; Andrea and her fiance John Cappelli; Nicole, and John James; Krista, and Louis, Jr.; Francis J., and Bella (also his godchild), Julia, and Robert H.; cousins, Mary and John Russo and children, Michael Wicks, Ann Marie Mizgala, and Anthony Ferris; his father-in-law, and mother-in-law, Lawrence “Pete” and Lillie M. Vallette; and his in-laws, Brenda and Mark Cornell, Warren and Mary Gaddy, and Jackie Sherwood. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Pasquale and Marietta DeBrango; his paternal grandparents, Henry and Bertha Ollerenshaw; and his aunts and uncles, Vincenzia “Chancy” and William Wicks, Angeline and Peter Mizgala, and John DeBrango who was also his godfather. The family extends thanks to the Little Falls Emergency Medical Service, and the New York State Police for their timely response and support; and David’s co-workers for their kindness which has been an uplifting spirit during these difficult days. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 2:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in David’s honor to the Herkimer County Humane Society or to a charity of choice; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. David's funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish at Mt. Carmel Church where his Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be held with Full Honors provided by the New York State Correctional Officers. Interment will take place at St. Agnes Cemetery.

David H. Ollerenshaw

November 5, 1958 - July 25, 2007