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John William Olson of Southampton died at his home on Hutchinson Island, Florida, surrounded by family and caregivers, on February 10, 2018. He was 91.
Born in Jamaica, Queens, on May 30, 1926, Mr. Olson was the only son of Swedish immigrants, Johan and Johanna Olson. He served in the U.S. Air Force at the end of World War II and received his undergraduate education on the G.I. Bill. He later earned his master’s degree in civil engineering from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, and worked at several Long Island engineering firms, including Lockwood, Kessler, and Bartlett, before starting his own company. His work as a designer and engineer is found in hundreds of structures, including bridges, hotels, nursing homes, private residences and commercial buildings in New York and Florida.
Survivors said he will be remembered for his intelligence and sharp mind, his generosity to family and friends and his no-nonsense approach to life. He shared his passion for adventure and love for the sea as an avid boater, fisherman, and sailor who enjoyed the Caribbean and participating in Block Island sailing races. He and his wife, Mildred, traveled extensively all over the world, collecting local arts and crafts along the way. Their creative interests in woodworking and stained glass yielded many cherished gifts for family and friends. In his final weeks, Mr. Olson worked diligently to complete his wooden boat models.
In addition to his wife of 67 years, he is survived by sons, Eric and wife Debbie of Southampton, John Jr. and wife Whitney of Fort Lauderdale; daughter Donna of Hutchinson Island; granddaughters, Emily Olson-Smith of Southampton and Lindsay Dillon-Potter of Los Angeles; and four great-grandchildren. A grandson, Todd Olson, predeceased him.
No church service is planned; a private memorial service will be held in the spring in Southampton.
on Feb 13, 2018