Haverhill – Ernest E. Olenio, 72, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, at Haverhill Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
Born on May 13, 1954, Ernest was the eldest son of Ernest A. and Joan (Driscoll) Olenio. Raised and educated in Haverhill, he graduated from Haverhill High School with the Class of 1972.
Ernie dedicated more than 40 years of his life to working as a route salesman for Wonder Bread and Hostess Cakes. He took tremendous pride in his work and was known for his unwavering dedication, never taking a sick day throughout his entire career.
Outside of work, Ernie enjoyed traveling, dining at Bishops, and visiting Rockingham Racetrack with his father. He proudly continued that tradition with his sons, Christopher and Anthony, where they always joked that they “broke about even.” Inspired by his father’s love of cooking, Ernie developed his own passion for the kitchen and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. He loved fishing, tending bar at the Lawrence Elks, coaching Little League when his children were young, and spending time at the Garibaldi Club playing cards with his many friends. He appreciated life’s simple pleasures and the friendships he made along the way.
He is lovingly remembered by his sons, Christopher E. Olenio and his wife, Lindsey, of Hampstead, New Hampshire, and Anthony R. Olenio and his wife, Shaun, of Peabody, Massachusetts. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Sophie Olenio, Grace Olenio, and Adeline Olenio,who will forever cherish the memories they shared with their “Nanu”;his brothers, Edmund J. Olenio and John P. Olenio, both of Haverhill; his sister, Jeneen A. Olenio of Bradford; and his loving companion, Cindy Case.
Ernie was predeceased by his former wife, Katherine (Curtin) Olenio, with whom he shared many years of marriage and raised their sons, Christopher and Anthony; his longtime companion, Charlotte Madigan; and his brother, William J. Olenio.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, July 1, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel of the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ernie’s memory to the Garibaldi Scholarship Fund c/o Paul Accardi, 86 Washington St. Haverhill, MA 01830. Thank you to the nurses and staff at Haverhill Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
Ernie will be remembered for his remarkable work ethic, his generous heart, his easy-going demeanor, and the love he had for his family and friends. His memory will live on through the countless stories shared and the love he leaves behind.
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