Ronald Olsen
Ronald James Olsen died unexpectedly at Saint Clares Hospital, in Sussex, N.J., on Saturday, June 23, 2012. He was 54.
Born to Stanley Olsen Sr. and Frances Olsen in Hoboken, N.J., he was raised in Weehawken and then lived in Clifton and West Milford, summering in Lake Wallkill, before moving to Vernon Township in 1985.
Mr. Olsen worked for General Motors Corp. in New York City from 1975, retiring in 2001.
He summered and was a lifetime member of the Lake Wallkill Community. He was a coach for the Aqua Gems Swimming Program based in Warwick for more than 20 years and also coached the Lake Wallkill summer swim team.
A family statement reads: "As head coach of the Aqua Gems Swimming Program, he was a selfless individual who strived to make children and young adults into better people through life lessons. He would not hesitate to pick up a swimmer who could not get a ride to practice and was a captivating story and joke teller, which brought smiles and laughter to everyone he encountered.
Mr. Olsen was predeceased by his son, Ryan Olsen (2008) and his mother, Frances Olsen (2007) and is survived by his wife of 34 years, Denise Olsen (nee Aluzzo) of Vernon Township; son Daniel Olsen and his finacee Maegan Rist of Highland Lakes; daughters Melissa and Ashley Olsen, both at home; brothers Stanley Olsen Jr. of Lake Wallkill, Richard Olsen and his wife, Cathy of Warsaw, Wisc.; Kevin Olsen and his wife, Susan of Rivervale, Gary Olsen and his wife, Nancy of Algonquin, Ill., and Timothy Olsen and his wife, Bernadette of Amherst, N.H.; in-laws Jane Olsen of Secaucus; Michael Aluzzo and his wife, Sheryl of Bloomingdale, Lisa Bundy and her husband, Lee of Richmond, Va., Michelle Aluzzo of Dingmans Ferry, Pa., and Mark Aluzzo of Butler; his father Stanley Olsen; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Vincent and Louise Aluzzo, and by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held June 27 at St. Francis deSales R.C. Church, Vernon. Interment was in Glenwood Cemetery, Vernon.
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers to Ryan Olsen Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Vernon Township High School, P.O. Box 800, Vernon, NJ 07462 would be appreciated.
Information and condolences can be found at www.fergusonvernonfuneralhome.com.