J. Michael Droney

OLEAN — John Michael Droney, of Olean, passed away Friday (Aug. 8, 2025) at Olean General Hospital, after a brief illness, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Salamanca on Feb. 17, 1940, he was the son of the late John L. and Elizabeth E. Wolven Droney. On April 15, 1967, at St. John the Evangelist Church in Olean, he married the former Mary Frances Oliva, who survives.

Mike was a 1957 graduate of Olean High School and went on to study business administration at St. Bonaventure University.

In 1961, he began his professional career with Olean Wholesale Grocery Co-Op, where he dedicated more than 27 years of service. For 18 of those years, he served as the director of wholesale grocery operations.

During this time, he also proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves for four years, demonstrating the same sense of dedication and responsibility that defined his professional life.

After leaving Olean Wholesale, Mike went on to become the manager of merchandising for the Western New York Apple Growers Association for six years. He then became the mid-Atlantic marketing director for the State of Virginia’s Department of Agriculture, where he worked until his retirement in 2009.

Mike served on many boards throughout his life, including the City of Olean Zoning Board of Appeals for more than 30 years, where he was vice chairman for several years and served as its chairman in ’85, ’91 and ’97. He also served on the United Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Advisory Board and the National Apple Month Committee.

Mike was a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church.

An accomplished runner during his time, Mike was later inducted into the Olean High School “Wall of Fame” for the Class of 1957.

As a passionate gardener, Mike found joy working in his yard and spending quality time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed attending sporting events and was a longtime fan of football and college basketball, especially the Buffalo Bills and the St. Bonaventure Bonnies.

Above all, Mike was a loving husband who cared deeply for Mary, faithfully running her bath and preparing her nightly tea.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; a daughter, Lisa (Anthony) Whitlow of Fairport; a son, Michael J. Droney of Olean; four grandchildren, Brandon and Mikaela Whitlow, and Matthew and Michelle Droney; and his siblings, Mary Sprague of Olean and Patrick (Joyce) Droney of Toms River, N.J. He is also survived by special people, who were a meaningful part of his life, including Aunt Gloria Oliva; cousins, Vincent Oliva, Carol Moses and Thomas and Joey Enright, all of Olean; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, John and Elizabeth; his brother, Dennis A. Droney; and his brother-in-law, William K. Sprague.

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday (Aug. 13, 2025) at the Guenther Funeral Home, 1303 E. State St., Olean. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday (Aug. 14, 2025) at St. John’s Church, 931 N. Union St., Olean. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org/.

Online condolences may be made at www.guentherfh.com.