Roald Martin Olsen
June 12, 1938 – June 6, 2023
On June 6, 2023, Roald M. Olsen, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully in North Canaan, Conn., less than one week before his 85th birthday. Roald (“Rollie”) was born on June 12, 1938 to Harry and Marion (Going) Olsen in Worcester, Mass. He spent most of his life in Boylston, Mass., until he and his loving wife Sue moved to Torrington, Conn., five years ago.
Roald attended Boylston Elementary School, graduated from Worcester’s Commerce High School in 1957, and studied at Worcester Junior College. He worked for more than 25 years at Jamesbury Corp., which hosted Christmas parties that Roald’s children still remember fondly. He also enjoyed years selling real estate, “helping great people find great homes,” and working at Refco, Inc. in Boylston. Roald selflessly served his community as a member of the Boylston Lions Club, and a member of the Berlin-Boylston Regional School Committee. Roald is remembered by many for co-founding and coaching in Boylston’s Pop Warner football team. He taught Sunday School and was a Deacon at the Boylston Congregational Church. Roald’s children have clear memories of his presence on the sidelines as coach and fan, usually with a cowbell and camera in hand. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, Roald also was a “Minuteman,” a member of the bicentennial tribute militia commemorating the Massachusetts Bay Colonial Militia, which contained the oldest units in the U.S. Army.
Roald married Suzanne Chase on November 17, 1962 at the First Congregational Church in Boylston. He and Sue created a loving home at 24 Dewey Ave., where they spent 51 years raising their children, loving many pets, and graciously welcoming family and friends. He found great pleasure each morning in his glass of OJ, a mug of hot coffee, and time spent in his chair reading the local newspaper. He enjoyed the outdoors – fishing, camping, long walks, swimming in lakes, rivers, the ocean, and the backyard pool – as well as long, meandering drives through the countryside.
Roald will be remembered for his outgoing and gregarious nature, his laugh, his faith, and his belief that life is beautiful. He leaves behind an adoring family: his son Scott Olsen (fiancé Laurie Wood), his daughter SueEllen Thomas (partner Jay Cretcher), his son Erick Olsen (wife Tina), and his daughter Tara Olsen Allen (husband Daemian). Roald was proudly Grandpa (aka “Bepas”) to eight beloved grandchildren: Jacob Paul Thomas, Elias Joseph Olsen, Michaela Rayne Thomas, Konrad Tyler Olsen, Eleanor (Ellie) Mary Olsen, Annika Jordan Thomas, Olivia Suzanne Olsen and Tobias (Toby) William Olsen. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.
On Sunday July 16 from 4 to 6 PM, visiting hours will be held at Nordgren Funeral Home, 300 Lincoln St. Worcester, MA 01605. A memorial service will be held on Monday July 17 at 10 AM at First Congregational Church, 10 Church St., Boylston MA. Following the service, we will hold a committal at Pine Grove Cemetery, Scar Hill Rd. in Boylston. The burial will be followed by a luncheon at the church.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Lions Youth Football and Cheer at www.lionsyouthfootball.com or Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please click guestbook link.