Paul N. Olsen
1935 - 2024
Paul Norman Olsen, 89, of Brockton, Mass., passed away peacefully at his home in Brockton on June 22, 2024.
Paul was born in Melrose, Mass., in 1935 to parents Peter and Aagot Olsen, originally from Norway. He was the youngest of three siblings. His mother passed when he was 13 years old and Paul learned how to be resourceful and take care of himself while still a teenager.
Paul attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, graduating in 1956 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He began his career at General Electric before his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own business. Paul founded Palco Plastics in 1973 and dedicated himself to his company until his retirement at age 88. He took great pride in the business he built and cherished the friendships he made along the way. In March 2021, his grandson Josh Yelapi joined him in running Palco Plastics, working closely together for his remaining years. Josh states: “We made a great team...we were always bouncing ideas off each other and double-checking each other’s work. He was a fantastic mentor who taught me all the idiosyncrasies of the business, which I continue to utilize today.”
Paul was deeply proud of his Norwegian heritage and was a lifelong learner who enjoyed golf, skiing, boating, reading and sharing good food and drinks with friends.
He was preceded in death by his sister Anne Greene, brother Peter Olsen, and his son Kenneth Olsen. Paul is survived by his children Joanne Olsen, Carolyn LeBaron, his current wife Audrey Olsen, and his stepchildren Kevin Yelapi, Debbie Sheehan, and Tony Yelapi, as well as numerous grandchildren.
Details for a memorial service will be announced at a later date.