Groton, CT, Connecticut
LCDR Carl G. Olson, USN (Ret), 80, formerly of Groton, passed away Friday, March 25, 2011, at his home in Waxhaw, N.C.
He was married to Kathleen Rose Hiser on Nov. 9, 1957, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Mrs. Olson passed away on April 21, 2009.
Carl Olson graduated from Worcester Boy's Trade High School in 1947 where he studied to be a machinist.
LCDR Olson was a retired Navy veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He served in the Submarine Service for 23 years, from fleet boats, to nuclear class subs, USS Skipjack, as well as submarine tenders, USS Nereus, USS Simon Lake, USS Howard Gilmore. He saw tours of duty in many states and Holy Loch, Scotland.
After the Navy, he worked for General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division, for 24 years. He was assigned to work with Admiral Hyman Rickover to take over acceptance of the submarines by the navy. He was Project Manager for the NHTV mini submarine, and finally he managed eight departments in the Graphic Reproduction organization before retiring.
After retiring, he became an avid tennis player, with memberships in several tennis clubs in CT and later in NC. He participated in many leagues and tournaments, and at the age of 68 he and partner Al Maynard won the USTA CT State Championship.
He is survived by his son, Steven Carl Olson, daughter-in-law Mary Ann (Shunney) and grandsons Matthew Gordon Olson and Nicholas Hanly Olson. Carl's other son, Scott Gordon Olson, passed away in 1998 at the age of 36. Other immediate families include: niece, Diana (Payne) Rivers of Titusville, FL; nephew, Richard Payne and family of Norfolk, MA; nephew, Bruce Payne and family of Spencer, MA.
Funeral service will be held at 10 am, Sat., April 2 at the Byles- Groton (CT) Memorial Home, 310 Thames St.
His burial, with military honors, will follow in the Colonel Ledyard Cemetery in Groton.
Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 6 pm, Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, National Processing Center, Attn: Honor & Memorial Gifts, PO Box 1245, Albert Lea, MN, 56007-9976.
For the family's on-line registry, please visit:
www.byles.com
I met Carl last year at Blakeney Racquet Club. He was a great, fun addition to the Friday night social tennis, and a worthy partner when we teamed together to win league matches. We had numerous discussions and they always came back to how much he enjoyed the grand kids. I will miss him dearly. He was a fine person. Regards, Bill Goss
Bill Goss
April 12, 2011 | Charlotte, NC
I have met Carl only once at the courts in Blakney and was taken aback to see his enthusiasm for the game given his age. I am glad I could hit some balls and spend time with him. My condolences to the family.
Manu Sadanandan
April 08, 2011 | Charlotte, NC
A sweet man with a good sense of humor. I enjoyed playing tennis with Carl and being his friend. Carl had many great accomplishments and touched many people throughout his life. God Bless.
David Sulkes
April 08, 2011 | Charlotte, NC
Sorry to hear about Carl. Have much enjoyed his emails, one special audio of a Spanish poet who recently died, "Time to say Goodby"
Leo, Matthews Tennis Club
Leo
April 05, 2011
April 4,2011
I am very saddened by the passing away of Carl. I had the pleasure of playing tennis with him.... more importantly I had the pleasure of knowing a fine gentleman and someone we can all aspire to emulate. He will be missed!
- Dario Stucchi, Charlotte, NC
April 04, 2011
Our Family has lost a fine and caring man, he will be missed greatly.
Bruce & Dianne Payne
April 04, 2011 | Spencer, MA
Friends and family, I am so sorry to hear of Carl's passing. I am blessed with many wonderful memories of being on the courts with Carl ... at Waterford, Lyme Shores, and Thames Valley matches. He was such an inspiration, and a tireless competitor, and will truly be missed by all of us. God Bless -
Dick Hartnett
April 02, 2011 | Preston, CT
I'm deeply sorry to hear of Carl's passing. I worked for Carl for several years at EB in the Graphic Reproduction Dept. He was a nice Guy and a Fair Boss!!
Dale Treadway, I
April 01, 2011 | Gales Ferry, CT
Deeply sorry to hear of Carl's passing. I had the pleasure of being on the tennis courts with him on numerous occasions over the years as both a teammate and opponent. Always a gentlemen,always a competitor. Peace and Blessings.
Andre Danford
March 30, 2011 | CT
