Olavi W. Palojarvi

WESTMINSTER – Olavi W. Palojarvi, 89, of Westminster, passed away on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in the Baldwinville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Baldwinville. Mr. Palojarvi was born on February 23, 1929 in Gardner, the son of the late Walfrid and Hilja (Tyrvainen) Palojarvi. He was a graduate of Gardner High School Class of 1947. He was a member of the record setting 50 medley relay team of 1947 which set the record time of 1:24.7 that stood for eight years. The 1947 team were the State Champions, and Olavi won first place in the state in the 50-yard freestyle and medley relay teams. He attended Worcester Trade School and Fitchburg State College. He worked as a mechanical draftsman and turbine designer working for General Electric Company in Fitchburg, retiring in 1991 after 35 years with GE. He was a Veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Air Force in the Air and Airways Communications Service attached to Military Air transport Service in Germany, France and the U.S. He was a lifelong member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Gardner, and its former churches Bethel and Covenant, where he served on the Church Council and sang in the choir. He was a member of the Hope Lodge A. F. & A. M.; Ovila Case Post 905 VFW and the G.E. Quarter Century Club. Olavi was an avid sports fan of all Boston sports teams, especially his beloved Red Sox and Patriots. He followed the local Westminster and Oakmont sports teams, watching his sons play in the 70’s and 80’s. Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at the family camps on Wyman’s Pond in Westminster and Lower Naukeag Lake in Ashburnham. Olavi is survived by two sons: David W. Palojarvi and his wife Patricia of Templeton, James M. Palojarvi of Ashburnham; one daughter: Gail A. Palojarvi of Westminster; two grandchildren: Ashley R. Palojarvi of Colchester, VT, Justin D. Palojarvi and his wife Stephanie of Ashby; two sisters: Helvi J. Palojarvi and Irja E. (Palojarvi) Daly, both of Gardner; three nieces, two nephews and several grand nieces and grand nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Eila E. (Rauma) Palojarvi in 2004. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, May 14, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the Faith Lutheran Church, 627 Green St., Gardner. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Gardner. A Calling hour will be held prior to the funeral service from 10:00 to 11:00 in the Faith Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, Make check payable to “Faith Lutheran Church”, specifying in memo to “Youth Ministry”, 627 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440 To Leave an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks – A Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is assisting with arrangements.