[Obituary] Duryea Mourns Preston Oleski, 27, After Unexpected Passing

DURYEA, Pa. — A close-knit Pennsylvania community is remembering Preston A. Oleski, a young volunteer firefighter, brewery employee and dirt-track racing enthusiast whose unexpected death has brought grief to those who shared his life.

Preston died at his home on Monday, August 24, 2026. He was 27.

For many in Duryea, his loss is being felt particularly strongly within the local fire service. Preston had spent more than nine years with Excelsior Hose Company #2, Station 226, building friendships while giving his time in service to the community.

A Young Life Rooted in the Local Community

Born in Kingston on March 7, 1999, Preston was the son of Michael Oleski and his wife, Tanya, and Johanna Hindmarsh and her husband, Jamison.

He grew up in the area and attended Pittston Area High School, where he completed his education before beginning the next chapter of his life.

Those local roots remained part of Preston’s story as he moved into the workforce and became increasingly involved in community service.

At the time of his passing, he worked at The Lion Brewery in Pittston Township. His job brought another circle of people into his life, and coworkers are now among those mourning his unexpected death.

Nine Years of Service With Excelsior Hose Company

One of the clearest reflections of Preston’s commitment to his hometown could be found at the firehouse.

For more than nine years, he was part of Excelsior Hose Company #2. Beginning that service at a relatively young age meant the department became an important part of his adult life.

Volunteer fire companies are often built around relationships that extend well beyond emergency calls. Members train together, respond together and spend countless hours alongside one another. Over the years, those experiences can create bonds that feel much like family.

That closeness was evident in the tribute shared after Preston’s death.

His fellow firefighters remembered him as a valued member of the department and made clear how deeply his absence would be felt. Their farewell referred to Preston as a brother, capturing the relationship he had developed with those who served beside him.

Away From Work, Preston Enjoyed Dirt-Track Racing

There was another side of Preston’s life that took him away from work and the fire station: dirt-track racing.

The sport was among the interests he enjoyed in his free time and provides friends and loved ones with another way of remembering the person behind his professional and volunteer responsibilities.

While extensive details about his other interests have not been publicly provided, the pieces that are known paint the picture of a young man whose life included work, community service, family connections and a passion for racing.

Cause of Preston Oleski’s Death

Preston’s passing has been described as unexpected, but a specific cause of death was not included in the information available.

No illness, accident or other circumstance should therefore be attributed to his death without confirmation from his family or another authorized source.

For those closest to Preston, the focus now remains on mourning someone who died at only 27 and remembering the years they were able to share with him.

Firefighters, Coworkers and Loved Ones Remember Preston

Preston’s death touches several circles within the community.

His parents and extended family have lost someone deeply personal to them. His coworkers at The Lion Brewery are mourning someone they knew through everyday working life. At Excelsior Hose Company, firefighters are saying goodbye to someone who had stood alongside them for nearly a decade.

Those relationships tell more about Preston’s life than the circumstances of his death alone ever could.

His nine years of volunteer service, in particular, leave behind a meaningful connection to Duryea. The calls he answered, time he gave and friendships he developed at the firehouse will remain part of the department’s memories.

At just 27, Preston A. Oleski’s life ended far earlier than his family and friends could have expected. Yet his years of service and the relationships he built give those mourning him something lasting to remember.

Condolences are extended to Preston’s family, friends, coworkers, fellow firefighters and everyone in the Duryea and Pittston communities affected by his passing. May his memory live on through the people who knew, served and shared life with him.

Disclaimer

This obituary is based on the information available at the time of publication. Details concerning Preston A. Oleski’s death, personal life, family and memorial arrangements should be confirmed through his family, funeral service provider or other authorized sources. A specific cause of death has not been provided and should not be assumed. Additional information may be added if verified details become available.