                                         Dear Brother Where Art Thou

When we all think of Artie I know the one word we all think of:  SELFLESS.  I wanted to share with you some of the fond memories I have of him since I was welcomed, with open arms, into the McKenna Family.

I Remember When:  Me and DJ were first married and we got our new apartment.  Artie came everyday with his trustee toolbox ready, willing and eager to fix anything we needed. Not because we asked him because he wanted to.  

I Remember When:  Years later, I had my first child Stephen and was facing the difficult challenges of motherhood.  Artie would often come by to give me a break. Not because I asked him to because he wanted to.

I Remember When:  The twins were born and Artie had the task of bringing Stephen to see them.  When the doctor told me my discharge would be delayed, Artie spent many creative hours entertaining Stephen:  taking long walks around the hospital, taking many trips to the vending machine and even blowing up latex gloves and making faces on them, anything to entertain the kid.  Not because I asked him to because he wanted to.

He always remembered every occasion:  birthdays, graduations, soccer games, cheerleading games and never missed any of my children’s milestones.  Because he wanted to.

Lastly, I was recently at the Melville Blood Center and noticed this big plaque on the wall. It is a plaque that recognizes people that have donated platelets over 100 times.  As I searched I knew I would find his name listed and there it was.  Because he wanted to.

THERE WAS NO BETTER MAN

With Love Always, 

Ann


Art was a fantastic person and a warm, caring, and knowledgeable manager. I got to know him when I facilitated training for National Grid over the years.  On my last visit right before his passing, he spent quality time with the participants sharing his experiences while providing guidance and support. I'll miss him as I know many of the National Grid family will too.

God Speed, Art! It's been a long time. From the photos of you and the generations of your beautiful family, you did your life well. May our Lord continue to bless them, as they grieve, and always. I am proud to be your Classmate. Rest-in-Peace, Brother.

Amen,

Paul Doherty
CGA Class of 1976

To Patti-Ann and family:
So very sorry to learn of Art’s passing.  He is remembered fondly by all who knew him.  Such a fine man and friend.  May you  find comfort in the company of family, friends and the Lord during this season of loss.
Fred Nyhuis
Milton, WV
CGA 76

I was saddened to hear of Art’s passing.  He was a wonderful classmate, teammate and most of all a friend.  I will always remember that sly smile and dry sense of humor.

We are sorry for your loss.  Another Long Island connection to CGA from the Class of '76.  Art was a class act and will be missed.

Patti & Family:   I am so sorry for your loss.  Art was such a special person, classmate  and friend .  I have such great memories of our time together at the US Coast Guard Academy and also when we spent time at USCG Training together in Yorktown. He represented the best in all of us.  

Very sad news indeed. Art was of the first Generation guys I met when I joined LILCO way back when and for all the years I worked with him, played golf and bocce with him he was an honest and generous man. A man who always had a common sense view and offered help when needed and a knowing look when called for. May he rest in peace.

I was very sorry to learn of Artie's passing. We worked together at LILCO and, as others have said, he was a great man. He had the ability to stay above the hubbub and make cogent decisions, staying calm at all times. Knowing that Artie was a USCG Commander, and being a Navy veteran, I kidded him about Shallow Water and Blue Water sailors. He would just smile and shake his head a bit and we'd get down to serious things. He was a pleasure to work with, and was one of the best  Division Managers I worked with over my 34 years in LILCO.                                                                                                       
           FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING WINDS, SHIPMATE!

Art was a great classmate and friend, absolutely loyal, and fun to be around.  I especially enjoyed his sense of humor.  He will be sincerely missed.  My deepest condolences to Art's family.

Very Respectfully,
Tim Winslow
USCGA Class of '76

Art you were  a classmate but more importantly a true friend. We have lost a good man.
Classmates don’t go away they walk beside us every day unseen unheard, but always near still missed and always our classmate.

Dave Visneski

This was very sad news.
Art was my classmate and a great friend.
     I will always be grateful to Art and the Olsen family for taking me in on holidays and long weekends because my family was in California.  
     Thank you Art.  You’ll always be in my memories.

Don Lamb
USCGA class of 76

Patti and family; 

 We are saddened by your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Art was a great friend and teammate.  I will always remember our soccer matches, the road trip to New Orleans and the annual Christmas card, which always arrived in late January.  One thing that was clear from the annual card and Art's chicken scratch was his love for his family.  He always proudly wrote about you and your accomplishments.   He will be missed.  Be strong and God bless.

John and Kathy Astley 

Art always took the time to listen to everyone he was an amazing leader and a true gentleman.   I was lucky to have him as my boss for 5 years . he guided and taught me in a manner that no one has, and truly has made me a better person.  The world has has lost a special person to soon.  Art keep guiding as angle above.  You will be missed Coach 🙏🏼 

Art will always be remembered . I worked for him and with him. He was a great Boss and fellow worker.
He always had a smile and uplifted you when you needed it. Prayers for him and his Family through this  difficult time and in the Future.  God Bless you my Brother AMEN.    
🙏📖✝️🇺🇸
James R Kristensen.
Lilco , keyspan and National Grid.

Art was a classmate of mine from the Coast Guard Academy‘s class of 76. Fairwinds, and following seas, my friend.

To a man, we of CGA Class of 76 loved Art.  He was a fantastic athlete, but a better guy, classmate and teammate.  And a great Coast Guard officer.  An intense competitor but a loose and fun friend off the field.
Rest in Peace, Olie.
Jeff Moller

I'm so sorry for your loss, Art and I were classmates at the Coast Guard Academy. He was a great guy, he will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to you.

Very Respectfully,
Arn Heggers
USCGA Class of '76!

Sending all of  my love to the entire Olsen and McKenna Families in the sudden loss of their beloved Artie. . There are no words that can I can possibly say to take away the sadness and grief you are feeling. May your faith in God and your love for each other see you through this very difficult time. 
Love and prayers 
Alice De George 

OBITUARY

Arthur Stephen Olsen

2 September, 1954 – 24 June, 2023

Beney Funeral Home

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