With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Robert Charles Olwert of New Freedom, PA.
The chapters of his life were many; these are some of them.
Robert held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
What Robert believed shaped how he loved.
Robert Charles Olwert (77), husband of Jacky C. for 55 years, passed away of congestive heart failure on May 3, 2026. Born in Newburgh Heights, Ohio on January 6, 1949, he was the son of John Olwert and Francis Pezenna. He attended South High (1967) and Baldwin-Wallace College on scholarship (BA, Music Education) and earned his MA in Education from Towson State University. Robert taught elementary and middle school for 30 years, imparting his knowledge of music and a love of jazz to all students in a caring and fun way. He founded and performed with his school's jazz band at regional venues. Throughout his life he did various kinds of work to support his goals, the main one being to be supportive of those he loved.Robert spent his free time at his cabin where he enjoyed quiet peacefulness and the activities of his choice. He spent afternoons taking driving trips to explore the area. A lover of mainly historic novels and biographies, Robert was happy to have the time to read after he retired. He was a proud member of St. John the Baptist church in New Freedom.Robert bravely chose to live life according to what he believed.He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Francis, his brother John, and his son Joseph (Joey). Robert is survived by his brother Ron Olwert, his wife Alexis and their family, as well as the family of his late brother John. He is also survived by his wife Jacky and his children John, Robert and Joanne Marie.There will be a viewing on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Historic, St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church; 315 N. Constitution Ave., New Freedom, PA 17349. A funeral liturgy will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church with interment to follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery.
