June 13, 1932 - Sept. 2, 2010
One of the good ones left us today….Thursday, 2 September 2010. Robert P. Olsen, known to most as Bob, died in his New Smyrna Beach home following a few days in the care of his long time care provider Adrienne Tomaka and Sister Susan, assisted by Hospice of Volusia County, Florida.
Bob was born in Haverstraw, NY, June 13, 1932 to Oscar and Nancy Olsen. Hunting, fishing and trapping through his early years in rural Congers, NY, Bob and his sister Betty Ann, experienced the frightening death of their mother, in 1941 following a fire that also destroyed their family home and business, Olsen's Garage at 21 Old Haverstraw Road Congers, NY.
Oscar married Helen Schlager of Congers in 1945 and together brought Bob and Betty, a sister Susan, brothers Thom and Paul.
Bob was a decorated USN destroyer sailor (1951-1955), serving on the USS Putnam, DD757 during the Korean war and her world cruise, 25 September 1953 to 1 May 1954, attached to Destroyer Squadron 22 .
Bob was an avid outdoorsman and a community enthusiast. As a life member and past president of the Valley Cottage Sportsman Club, served on the Palisades Park Police force, joined the American Legion in Pearl River, NY and the Upper Nyack "Goosetown" FD, he also enjoyed 50+ years with Haverstraw ELKS.
For 45 years, Bob and his wife Alma (Wilcox) resided in Pearl River, NY. Many of you that remember Bob and Alma will recall the many wonderful gatherings of friends and family around their pool and in their home….and there was laughter, oh he could laugh!
Did he ever tell you the one about the monkey and the fan……?
Bob retired from Orange and Rockland Utilities in 1996 as their communities' relations manager. Bob and Alma made their retirement residence at Sugar Mill C.C., New Smyrna Beach FL.
Bob is predeceased by his parents,Helen, his wife, Alma(Wilcox), sister Betty Ann, and brother Thom. He is survived by his sister Susan (Steve Smith) of Greenwich, NY, brother Paul(April Goodman) of Tully, NY, nieces Sarah and Carolyn, daughter Bonnie Polhemus, grand children: Wendi(Kirk Rodgers), Brian, and Greg, sister-in law, Irene Wilcox and brother-in-law John Wilcox (wife Mary Lou), grandchildren: Jasmine, Brady, Noah, Lauren and Joshua, cousins BettyAnn Tucker and Jimmy Coyle of Edgewater, FL
Also mourning the loss of Bob and his wife, Alma, is their loving caregiver, Adrienne Tomaka whose humor and tenderness enhanced their days. There will be no service.
Please make donations and honorarium to: Congers Civic Association, P.O. Box 10, Congers, NY 10920
