Peter I Olsen

Peter I. Olsen, 98, died peacefully at home in the care of his loving family on November 7, 2015. He was born on December 5, 1916 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Daniel and Lily Olsen. He is predeceased by Martha, his wife of 67 years, and his siblings Margaret, Les and Arnold. He was educated at P.S. 185 and Brooklyn Tech. and was the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. He received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University.

Lt. Col. Olsen joined the Marines as a member of the 5th ROC in February 1941. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on May 29, 1941 and was assigned to the 1st Marine Division, which landed on Guadalcanal. After 21 years of service, they retired to CT in 1962. Peter returned to teaching at NFA and later became the Director of Guidance at LHS, where he retired in 1983.

Peter was very active in the community for many years. At LHS, he was the announcer and timekeeper for football and basketball games and officiated track and cross-country meets. Peter and his wife helped establish St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. He was a dedicated member of St. Mark Lutheran Church and was active in many roles, including singing in the choir. In addition, he volunteered at CRIS Radio, drove for the blind and is a lifetime member of the Ledyard Lion’s Club.

He is survived by his four children and their spouses, 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He will be missed by his caregivers, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Calling hours will be November 10, from 3:00pm – 7:00pm at Church and Allen Funeral Home in Norwich. The funeral service will be at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church at 248 Broadway, November 11, at 10am. Burial will follow at the Gales Ferry Cemetery on Military Highway.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Peter's name to either the Ledyard Lions Scholarship Fund - or - St. Mark Lutheran Church.

Online condolences at www.churchandallen.com.