Peter Olsen

Norwich — Peter Irving Olsen, USMC Ret., 98, died peacefully at home in the care of his loving family on Nov. 7, 2015.

He was born on Dec. 5, 1916, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Daniel and Lily Olsen.

He was predeceased by Martha, his wife of 67 years, and his siblings, Margaret, Les and Arnold.

He was educated at P.S. 185 and Brooklyn Technical High School in New York and was the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. He received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University.

Lt. Col. Olsen joined the Marines as a member of the 5th ROC in February 1941. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant on May 29, 1941, and was assigned to the 1st Marine Division, which landed on Guadalcanal. After 21 years of service, he and Martha retired to Connecticut in 1962. Peter returned to teaching at NFA and later became the director of guidance at Ledyard High School, where he retired in 1983.

Peter was very active in the community for many years. At Ledyard High, he was the announcer and timekeeper for football and basketball games and officiated track and cross-country meets. Peter and his wife helped establish St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Gales Ferry. He was a dedicated member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Norwich and was active in many roles, including singing in the choir. In addition, he volunteered at CRIS Radio, drove for the blind and was a lifetime member of the Ledyard Lions Club.

He is survived by his four children and their spouses, 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He will be missed by his caregivers, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Calling hours will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 248 Broadway, Norwich. Burial will follow at Gales Ferry Cemetery, Military Highway.

Online condolences may be left at www.churchandallen. com.