Obituary for Joseph Thomas Olson
Joseph Thomas Olson, 61, died in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 6, 2021 at his New Jersey home. He had been battling cancer for almost two years. In his final days, he was cared for by his son, Joseph, and Joe’s sister, Patricia Sarver of Wilmington.
He was married to Mary Ellen Dowd-Olson on January 9, 1999. She predeceased him in 2019.
Joe was born on March 7, 1959 and raised in Vilone Village in Elsmere. He attended Corpus Christi Elementary School, Salesianum School (1977) and Delaware Technical and Community College, where he earned the degree of Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice--Police Science.
Joe had a life-long interest in law enforcement. In the early 1980’s, he served briefly on the police force of the City of Wilmington. In 1984, he began his service as a police officer with the Delaware and River Bay Authority. He received further training in accident investigation. He retired in 2014 with the rank of Master Corporal. Following retirement he worked as a security officer at Delaware Technical and Community College, Stanton.
In his retirement, Joe enjoyed golfing with the lifelong friends he made growing up in Elsmere. Joe was meticulous about his home, and was most grateful that he could provide and care for his wife and their son.
In addition to his son and sister, Joe is survived by his parents Evor and Irene (Frati) of Elsmere, a brother, the Rev. Theodore (Jack Anderson) of Millsboro. Surviving also are his godparents, Joanne Reynolds and Albin Okoniewski, Michael and Mary Ellen Dowd (parents in law), Michael and Hope Dowd (siblings in law), seven nieces and nephews, and many cousins. Also surviving is the family pet, Kelly.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Hedwig R.C. Church, Harrison and Linden Streets, Wilmington. on Friday, February 12, at 12 noon. A viewing will take place at the church on Friday morning from 10:00-11:30 am. Interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery. State regulations due to Covid-19 require the wearing of masks and social distancing.
Joe’s family are very grateful to the staff of Bayada Hospice at Inspira, NJ, especially his nurse, Cindy Dutton, and to the clergy of St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, Carney’s Point, for their compassion and service to Joe and his family.
Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home
302.994.9614
He was married to Mary Ellen Dowd-Olson on January 9, 1999. She predeceased him in 2019.
Joe was born on March 7, 1959 and raised in Vilone Village in Elsmere. He attended Corpus Christi Elementary School, Salesianum School (1977) and Delaware Technical and Community College, where he earned the degree of Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice--Police Science.
Joe had a life-long interest in law enforcement. In the early 1980’s, he served briefly on the police force of the City of Wilmington. In 1984, he began his service as a police officer with the Delaware and River Bay Authority. He received further training in accident investigation. He retired in 2014 with the rank of Master Corporal. Following retirement he worked as a security officer at Delaware Technical and Community College, Stanton.
In his retirement, Joe enjoyed golfing with the lifelong friends he made growing up in Elsmere. Joe was meticulous about his home, and was most grateful that he could provide and care for his wife and their son.
In addition to his son and sister, Joe is survived by his parents Evor and Irene (Frati) of Elsmere, a brother, the Rev. Theodore (Jack Anderson) of Millsboro. Surviving also are his godparents, Joanne Reynolds and Albin Okoniewski, Michael and Mary Ellen Dowd (parents in law), Michael and Hope Dowd (siblings in law), seven nieces and nephews, and many cousins. Also surviving is the family pet, Kelly.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Hedwig R.C. Church, Harrison and Linden Streets, Wilmington. on Friday, February 12, at 12 noon. A viewing will take place at the church on Friday morning from 10:00-11:30 am. Interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery. State regulations due to Covid-19 require the wearing of masks and social distancing.
Joe’s family are very grateful to the staff of Bayada Hospice at Inspira, NJ, especially his nurse, Cindy Dutton, and to the clergy of St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, Carney’s Point, for their compassion and service to Joe and his family.
Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home
302.994.9614