Clifford N. Olsen

Clifford Norman Olsen went to meet his Saviour on July 5, 2018, at the age of 95. Born in West Hoboken, New Jersey, he was the firstborn child of Otto Harry and Petra Berdine Olsen, former immigrants from Norway. Cliff graduated from Port Richmond High School in Staten Island, attended business school, and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943. He married his sweetheart, Hellen Halvorsen, on a military leave in 1944. Clifford became a dispatcher for Gulf Oil Corporation, and his young family grew to include a daughter, Jeanne Marilyn and a son, Robert Clifford. He was a faithful husband and father, providing for his household in Staten Island, New York, and active in his church.

Hardworking and talented with his hands, many a friend or family member was blessed by Clifford’s home improvement skills of painting, wallpapering, paneling or such. Cliff was also known for his deep bass voice, adding richness to his church choir, as well as a gospel quartet. Other pastimes he enjoyed were stamp collecting and “family tree” research . . . . a legacy to his family for years to come.

Cliff and Hellen retired in 1983 to Florida, where they happily reunited with many Staten Island friends who had also retired to the “Sunshine State”. They had the pleasure of welcoming into the family a daughter-in-law, Kathi Ann, a son-in-law, Gary Lee, and 4 beloved grandchildren …..Ryan, Beth, Greg and Emilee. They celebrated 63 years of marriage together before Hellen’s passing. Cliff soon found another fine wife in Gerd Olenik, who shared the same Norwegian heritage. They were married nearly 9 years. Besides the loss of his two wives, Clifford is predeceased by his son, Robert and three siblings, Irene, Naomi and Arnold. He will be fondly remembered by many for his congeniality and outgoing personality.