Melvin R. Olsen

Melvin R. “Bob” Olsen, age 94, of Norwell, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2016. Beloved husband of Lorraine Olsen for 71 years. Loving father of Paula Olsen and Wayne Schneider of Burlington, VT; Phil and Lydia Olsen of Fort Collins, CO. Cherished grandfather, “Boompa”, to Zachary Olsen of Chicago, Benjamin and William Joseph of Omaha, NE, and Hannah of Fort Collins. He was predeceased by his loving sister, Barbara Palli of Norwell.

A veteran of the US Navy during WWII, Bob worked for the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad for over 35 years, retiring as accounts manager in 1986. His career took him and his family to many locals, including Buffalo, NY, Chicago, and Iowa before returning to his beloved New England in 1971. He loved sports, particularly the Red Sox, but none of the current players could “hold a candle” to Bobby Doerr and Ted Williams. Bob was also a skilled participant in sports from baseball and hockey as a young man to golf in his later years.

During retirement, he volunteered his time with Meals on Wheels and the Bread Run for the United Church of Christ. He loved playing poker and bridge. Bob, or Boompa to his grandkids, loved the daily communal with nature, whether he was visiting Third Cliff in Scituate or just walking with his wife, Lorraine. He was the last of a breed, a member of the “Greatest Generation”.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 10 am in the United Church of Christ, Main St., Norwell. Should family and friends desire, in lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 

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