John T. Olson Sr.
September 11, 1937 ~ May 19, 2025
Born in:
Portland, Maine
Resided in:
Brownfield, Maine
John T. Olson Sr. 87, of Brownfield Maine, passed away peacefully at his home on May 19, 2025 surrounded by loving family.
John was Born on September 11,1937, in Portland Maine, he attended local schools and graduated from Deering High School in 1955. He remained a proud alumnus, enjoying football games through the years – especially the traditional Thanksgiving matchup against Portland High School.
John proudly served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1955 to 1961, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to service and discipline. He went on to have a long and respected career as a pipe fitter and was a dedicated member of the UA Local 716 Plumbers and Pipe fitters Union.
He was a man of quiet strength, known for his hard work, integrity, witty humor and devotion to his family. John enjoyed staying active whether at the gym or on the golf course, John and Ruth spent winters in Florida and summers in Maine, returning to Maine full time in 2021 to spend cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings and close lifelong friends.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Ruth Flaherty Olson; their children, Jean Olson, Kimberly Olson Clemons and her husband Scott, John Olson Jr and his wife Rosa, Scott Olson and his wife Kimberly; Grandchildren, Melissa Boxer, Justin Stilphen, James Stilphen, Jennifer Clemons Roy, Christopher Clemons, Hanna Olson, Jack Olson and Elisabeth Olson, Great grandchildren, Kyla Hewey, Katie Emerson, Mason Stilphen, and Hunter Stilphen, and many nieces and nephews, His family and friends brought immense joy to his life.
Other survivors include his sisters: Madelon Sullivan, Margaret Thomas (George Skelton) and Brother Jim Bradley
John was predeceased by his Brother Ronald J. Olson 1942-1942, his Father John A Olson 1915-1966, son Gerald W. Olson (1957–1978), his Mother Emma M. (Majors) Bradley 1916-2010, and his brother Lewis Bradley Jr. 1957-2020
A graveside service will be held at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland, Maine, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who knew John to honor his memory by spending time with loved ones or enjoying a round of golf in his name.
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Michael Derrig
I had the occasion to work with John multiple times when we were both Pipefitters in Local 217. John was one of the most skilled men I ever worked with. A Very talented man. He had a razor sharp wit and if you got to know him you had a friend for life. We had a mutual respect for each other. John was 12 years older than me so I was tickled when he asked me to join him and his boyhood friends for a round of golf at Willowdale. That’s when I got to know the John away from work. He was funny with a dry sense of humor. Quick story; At willowdale I couldn’t get off the tee box to save my life. After 3 different holes of me whining that there must be something wrong with my driver, John said “Let me see that.” He took my driver and pounded a drive 200 yards straight down the middle. He didn’t say a word, he just handed me back the driver. Needless to say I didn’t complain about my driver again. I’m smiling right now thinking about it. We had great conversations over the phone throughout the years and I miss talking to him. He was a good man. My sympathies to his wife and family.
My Sympathies to Ruth and Family. John will be Missed and Not Forgotten. John and I became friends in grammar school and remained friends for a lifetime. Our values were centered around Duty, Honor, Country as were most young men of the WWII period. After the War the time became “The Happy Days”. WE lived the Happy Days with our friends, soda counters, jute boxes, dancing, rollerskating, rock&roll, Friday night football games, fast cars, and the beech. It was a good time to be young. We drifted apart for a while raising our families, jobs, military etc. We reconnected in retirement playing golf, lunches, Deering High reunions and sharing stories. John was still the same, thoughtful, loyal, and the same sense of humor. John Will Be Missed