John Howard Olsen

John Howard Olsen, 57, of Lebanon, CT, passed away peacefully on March 8th, 2024 at home with his family by his side.

John was born in Putnam, CT and grew up in the center of Abington, CT in a historic home passed down through the generations. John took pride in the fact that he was a direct descendant of General Israel Putnam. As a young boy, he enjoyed learning about his rich history including the Wolf Den at Mashmucket State Park. John acquired a love of gardening from his grandpa Baker, whom he spent much of his childhood with. From early on, John had a passion for skateboarding, dirt bikes, motorcycles, trucks, cars, anything Mopar.. and anything fast! He often rode his mini bike from Abington to his grandparents home in Canterbury. He would spend hours at the Olsen homestead. It was there that he learned about trucks, cars, and other vehicles from his uncles and grandpa, and enjoyed his grandma's cooking.

In 1982, John married his childhood love, Sheri Zeppa, and they began building their family. John worked for his brother-in-law, Chuck Zeppa, at Zeppa Masonry for over 10 years. There he learned many skills and in 1987 applied them to help build his family home, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a jack of all trades. In 2006, John became a commercial truck driver, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Throughout the years, John enjoyed vacationing with his family at Hampton Beach, NH. Most recently, John enjoyed camping and gardening with his wife, and spending time with family creating beautiful memories that will live on. John had a lot of passions in life but above all family was what mattered the most to him. He was especially proud of his three children who all served in the US Marine Corps and his grandson, Joshua, who is currently serving in the US Air Force. 

John leaves behind his wife Sheri of 41 years, his children; Christopher Olsen of Vernon, Rachel Fuller of Colchester, and Joseph Olsen and his wife Amber Quick Olsen of Mansfield, CT, his 10 grandchildren, his mother and stepfather Virginia and John Dunn, his brothers; Jay, Daniel, and David Olsen, close family friend Scott Bergstrom, two aunts; Linda Olsen Jones and Donna Olsen, one uncle; Warren Douglas, and many cousins, close relatives, extended family, and his canine companion, Riley. All of whom he loved deeply. 

A celebration of life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Knights of Columbus in Putnam, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s memory may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

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