John O. Olsen, 67, of Keyport, passed away on Wednesday, November 16 at home. He was born in Long Branch and was a lifelong resident of Keyport, residing at his current address since 1952. John was a Keyport High School graduate, 1967 Valedictorian, and received his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers in 1971. John’s father started Olsen Boat Works in Keyport in 1949. John took over the family business in 1973 and between him and his dad, they built 220 16-foot to 42-foot cus- tom wood boats. John served over 20 years as chairman of the Keyport Harbor Commission.
John was predeceased by his parents, Olav G. and Vera Teresa (Nymark) Olsen. He is survived by his brother, Arthur Olsen and his wife Susan of Atlantic Highlands; a close friend, Terri Kurimski of Union Beach; a niece, Kristin Olsen-Pyne and her husband Robert of Jersey City; a nephew, Stephen Olsen of Old Bridge; and many great friends and neighbors. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
Day Funeral Home, Keyport, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made in memory of John to the St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2000 Florence Ave., Hazlet, NJ 07730 or the Food Bank of Monmouth Ocean County at www.foodbankmoc.org. To post a condolence to the family, please visit www.dayfuneralhome.com.
