Arthur B Olsen Jr

Arthur B Olsen Jr. (Artie), of Long Island, NY, passed away at the age of 75 on March 23rd, 2025, after a long fought battle with COPD and heart failure. He is survived by his four children (Jessica, Jason, Jon, and Jen) and his dog Sadie, who know they had the best dad in the world.

Though his life was long and rich, this narrative focuses on what he loved most and what he left behind.

Born in New York City to his parents Emilia Oderio and Arthur Olsen Sr., Artie grew up on Long Island and spent many years as a child in a family bakery in NYC (La Parisienne) and a family restaurant (Sardi's). He built a career as a service technician for Xerox and Carr, forging a small but mighty network of friends and colleagues during his long tenure and reputation there. He raised his children, alongside his ex-wife Cathy Dickson, in Selden, NY in their Hope Court family home for almost 18 years. As an only child, Artie gained an extended in-law family which, amongst other things, led to many many years of giant, wonderful family camp trips along the Delaware River.

As a young dad on Long Island, Artie worked incredibly hard to make sure his family was supported. Alongside two regular jobs as a technician, he worked evenings as janitorial staff at the local WBLI and WBAB radio stations. His children loved joining him there to help him clean - and run amok in the halls. But most importantly, they took away quality time with their dad and the prevailing understanding that good work is any work done well. Everything he did, he did quietly with his whole self, and he passed this quality on to each of his children.

Though he ultimately pursued a more traditional career at the encouragement of his parents, Artie always wanted to be an artist, and expanded his skills throughout his life through drawing, painting, and stained glass creation. He loved playing guitar, and always had a story of his youth creating candle wax drippings and living the good 60s life. He supported his kids throughout their lives to do whatever it was they wanted to do. As adults, his kids all work with their hands, whether with music, wood and leather work, building, or art, showing his same appreciation that we're all capable of creation and mastery in whatever it is we love.

After decades of working multiple jobs, Artie retired in upstate New York. If a person can be summed up by how they spend their attention, time, and money, he spent his walking in the woods; doting on his loved ones; drawing, painting, gardening, and building legos; and passing on his culinary favorites to his kids and grandkids - most importantly: the family freckle bread legacy, his famous eggplant parmesan, and the highly coveted lemon bars.

Our dad Artie lived 72 good years and 3 pretty rough years, but he spent his days happily with his kids, grandkids, and best four-legged friend, Sadie. Over the entirety of his life, he taught his children to be kind, work hard, care for others, and have an appreciation for nature and the peaceful joys life can offer. It was his adamant last wish to be cremated and planted with a tree, which his family will honor this spring. He will be continually missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children (Jessica Williamson, Jason Olsen, Jon Olsen, Jen Olsen); his grandchildren (Jacob Williamson, Isabella Williamson, Owen Olsen, Mariah Hogg), his beloved sons- and daughter-in-law (Joe Williamson, Jay Weedall, Elaine Olsen), and his ex-wife (Cathy Olsen).

In lieu of flowers or offerings, the family would encourage donations to one of the following charities:

The Nature Conservancy
American Lung Association