Michael David Oligny, 66, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, while visiting family in Texas.
Michael was born on May 10, 1960, in Glens Falls, New York, to his mother Marianne (née Lawler) Oligny and his father Roland Charles Oligny. Michael attended Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, New York. He served in the United States Air Force, including a tour served at RAF Lakenheath AFB in the United Kingdom. Michael married the love of his life, Sheryl Ann (née Kastner) Oligny on May 31, 1980, in Mobile, Alabama, where they began raising their family.
The Olignys moved to Asheville, North Carolina, where they home schooled their children and formed many strong friendships. Michael worked as a respiratory therapist in several hospitals in Mobile and North Carolina before eventually moving to full-time home construction and woodworking craftsmanship. Over his career, Michael built countless homes and pieces of furniture, bringing an artist’s eye and a love of his craft to his work. In 2012, Michael and Sheryl relocated to Front Royal to be near their children and grandchildren, where they became parishioners at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
Devotion to his Catholic Faith was the key motivation and inspiration in Michael’s life, zealously passing on his love of the faith to his family, friends, and everyone he met. Throughout his life, Michael frequented daily Mass and held multiple hours of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Michael was a strong advocate of the Holy Rosary as well. Together, Michael and Sheryl organized monthly Rosaries at their home on the thirteenth of every month in honor of Our Lady of Fatima (on whose feast day Michael was eventually to pass). He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and a religious education teacher. For many years, Michael and Sheryl sang together in their parish choir.
Michael’s love for life included many interests and hobbies. He was an avid outdoorsman: fishing, camping, canoeing, and hiking for many years. In particular, Michael loved skiing, beginning when he was a child and continuing until the end of his life. He coached his children in soccer, taught woodworking to children at a local school, and regularly rode his motorcycle and bicycle. Michael saw God’s handiwork in all the wonders of creation: from the tiniest flower to the flight pattern of birds, to a majestic sunset, and every snowfall and weather change.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, Roland. He is survived by his mother Marianne, wife Sheryl, and children Nicholas (Heidi), Thérèse (Adam), Lauren (Jack), Phillip (Molly), and Collin (Ivanna); twenty-eight grandchildren (with all five of his children currently expecting); siblings Jean (Tim), Karen (Jim), and Andrew (Stacie); and many other extended family members.
A Holy Hour of prayer at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church will be held for Michael on Wednesday, May 20, from 7 to 8 pm.
A Vigil Service and Rosary will be held on Monday, May 25, from 6-8 pm at Maddox Funeral Home at 105 W Main St., Front Royal, VA 22630. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 10 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. The burial will take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery at 200 W Prospect St., Front Royal, VA 22630 immediately following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support Sheryl in her time of need at https://www.givesendgo.com/prayers-for-mike-oligny.
That was beautifully written. You have all honored him well. I love all of you so very much. This certainly makes my heart break, all over again. You did him proud, not only in writing this beautiful obituary, but in your lives, your love and honor, and for all things Holy. May God be with you all, all the days of your lives. And Especially in the coming days, giving you all peace beyond understanding, surrounded with family and friends.
It was a true highlight in my life to have been there with him when he latched on to that big fat brownie! I will love my brother forever, and miss him deeply. Wonderfully written and articulated obituary. He had such passion for life and I had countless good times, sad times, and dangerous adventures with him. Praying for all of you!
I thank God for meeting Marianne and Roland in Mobile, AL and all their precious children. I attended Michael and Sheryl’s wedding and was so impressed by the outpouring of love among his siblings.
After reading Michaels obituary, I know that he is happy with Roland in heaven. May God bless you and be with you all during this painful time. I will offer my Holy Hour and Rosary for Michael.
My first playmate, friend and brother. With an eye for beauty and detail, reveling in all of God’s creation. Creating so many beautiful things from wood, made all that much more beautiful with his love and prayer in each one. Living and loving large. Embraced by love and grace. Living on in his legacy and lineage.
our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. we have met many of you and know what a close family you are. Though his departure hurts rest assured that he is next to his dad in the Lords presence now. God Bless each of you.
I knew Michael through his dedication to the lector ministry at St.John’s . The beautifully written obituary shared his life and family with me . May God wrap his arms around his family as they go through life without him and may he rest in peace in God’s presence . Mary Kay Moose, lector chair St.John the Baptist Catholic Church.
Blessings & peace upon him & his family. We didn’t know Michael very well but knew he was a special person. We were fellow parishioners at St. Barnabas in Arden, NC. He redid our roof & were thankful for that. He was a one man crew & did the whole job by himself. I was sorry to see him move away & not get the chance to become closer friends. Dan & Margi Alvarez, Arden, NC
Michael and the whole family was a great asset to St. Barnabas. Sorry to hear this. He lived his faith and always happy to share the love of Jesus.
Our Condolences to the family.
Jack and Colleen Hogan
Michael was one of my very first childhood friends growing up in the wonderful neighborhood of Calico Colony on Plaid Place. Some of my earliest and happiest memories were made alongside him during those carefree days of childhood. From playing outside for hours to sharing laughter and adventures only neighborhood friends understand, Michael was a special part of a time in life that will always be treasured. I’m so very sad to hear of his passing. He will be in my prayers. . Much love and peace to all of his family.
Beautifully written to capture Michael’s wonderful life. I always enjoyed his visits to New York as did my parents. God bless.