Leo Edward Olson

December 29, 1940 - June 16, 2017

Leo passed away peacefully at his home in Novato, CA surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer. The second eldest of four children, Leo was born to Knute “Bob” and Nora Olson in San Francisco. Leo attended San Miguel Grammar School, St. James Boys School and graduated from Archbishop Riordan High School in 1958.

After a brief stint in the Army, Leo went to work for Pacific Bell where his career spanned 40+ years.

In 1966 Leo met the love of his life, Teresa, at the Kerry picnic in Sonoma. They were married in Cavan, Ireland in 1968 and returned to the Sunset District in San Francisco to begin raising a family. In the summer of 1977, the family moved to the sunshine in Novato where the final 2 of their 6 children were born.

In his free time, Leo spent countless hours engaged in his favorite pastime of gardening. He fondly referred to his yard as the “South 40.” He also enjoyed rooting on his children in thousands of youth sporting events. Since 2001, when he retired, Leo and Teresa enjoyed traveling to various places - especially Ireland and Hawaii and began to enjoy his time as “papa” to his nine grandchildren.

Leo is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Teresa; his six adoring children; Erin Watson (Jack), Eric (Michele), Pete (Iris), Leo, Eamon and Roisin Quintana (Phil); and his nine loved grandchildren. Predeceased by his brother Jim Olson and his sister, Maureen Hagberg (Dave), Leo is survived by his sister, Alma Jean (Tim) Neville, his sister-in-law Maureen Olson as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A Rosary will be held at Our Lady of Loretto Church in Novato on Thursday, June 22nd at 7:30pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am on Saturday, June 24th, also at Our Lady of Loretto Church. Please wear a touch of green to the Funeral Mass if possible. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society and Hospice by the Bay in lieu of flowers.