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John N. Olsen Sr. - Class of 1939

Submitted by Pauline Rute Hall 1952 <Grammypgh@aol.com> on 05/Jan/2018
173.62.56.218

    John N. Olsen Sr. of Newburgh, entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 1, 2018. He was 95. Son of Carl and Eline (Christiansen) Olsen , he was born on October 5th, 1922 in Rodvig, Denmark. His family emigrated to America in 1925, and made Newburgh their home. John graduated Newburgh Free Academy in 1939, and began to work full time in the family tile business. The artistic quality and fine craftsmanship of their work, caused Carl L. Olsen & Sons Tile to become a well known and highly respected company in the Hudson Valley. John loved his craft and even continued to do tile work for friends and family well into his 80's. He enjoyed many hobbies over the years. His grandchildren have fond memories of Granddad's carpentry shop in the basement, and cherished his many handmade gifts. John and his beloved Vera also enjoyed many years of boating on the Hudson River with their children and grandchildren. In his late 80's, he ventured into oil painting at the Wallkill River School, enjoyed glass blowing classes in Beacon, continued to enjoy playing his keyboard and Skyped with new found friends in Denmark, who helped keep his Danish language and heritage alive. John also volunteered for many years at Habitat for Humanity in Newburgh, where he was lovingly known as “Papa John”. John left a positive and lasting impression on the lives of so many others. Some recent comments sent to his family include, “John was one of the finest men I've ever known”, “He was a special, gentle man.”, and “The world has lost a great human being this week”. His younger brother Carl summed it up well when he said, “Johnny was one of the good guys.” John is survived by his five children. John N. Olsen Jr. of Cornwall, Robert J. Olsen of New Windsor, Kristina Olsen of New Windsor, Lynn Olsen Politi of Town of Newburgh and Carl R. Olsen of Syracuse, 14 Grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren, all of whom were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his sister Joan Matteson of Virginia, his brother Carl L. Olsen Jr. & wife Sonia of Michigan and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased 12 years ago by the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Vera Maloney Olsen. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity or to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in loving memory of his deceased sister, Annabell Olsen. Their Donation website is: https://www.mda.org/ make-a-donation Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible staff of women and men at Wingate of Beacon, for the love and compassion they gave our father. Their amazing care will never be forgotten. He lived long. He lived well. He laughed much. He loved God and his family. We couldn't be more proud. We love you Dad. It was indeed, “A Wonderful Life”. A Celebration of John's Life will be held at a later date. To be announced.

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