John E. Olsson

WE moved into 3910 Oneida Place in November 1965 and raised 3 sons who played with the then young Olsson children. What WONDERFUL times we had with the children as well as with John and Judi. Eight WONDERFUL years watching the kids play and grow! So many happy times. I would love to have contact with the family again.

Dear Laura, John and Jeanne,

Please know we are thinking of you and of your dad with love and the fondest memories. He was a wonderful person and friend who loved his family and also his work. We enjoyed some very special times with him and your mom, sharing laughs over your latest antics and endeavors when you were young on Oneida Place, sometimes comparing notes with frozen daiquiris in the middle of our little street at the end of the day while you circled around with Chris,...

My thoughts and prayers go out for you and your family.

Laurie, John, and Jeanne,

My prayers and sincerest sympathy are with you and your families.

The memories of your father and our times spent together as wonderful neighbors and the many fun times on Oneida Place in Hyattsville, will always be cherished.

Carolyn (Burke) Deckers

Laura, John & Jeanne,

I was saddened to hear of the passing of your father. I realize that we lived next to each other only a short time when we were young, but the impact that your mom and dad made on my memories of childhood was great. I am sorry for your loss and wanted you to know that you and your families are in my thoughts.

Love Always.

I did not know John Olsson personally, but during the 16 years I worked in Georgetown I visited Olsson's Books & Records at least once a week and often more than that. I can't count the number of jazz and classical CDs I bought my husband or the books I bought for my sons or as gifts for family and friends. The Ritz photo counter at the front of the store was another reason to visit. The staff were unfailingly helpful and knowledgeable, a sign of a great boss who set high standards. ...

Mr Olsson lives on in the memories of customers such as myself who spent many happy hours browsing the carefully chosen books and CDs in Olssons' Books and Records. He set a really high standard for booksellers, both in the store stock selection and in his staff. What he created will remain as a legacy and no doubt continue to be a model for others equally passionate about music and reading.

I'm shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of John, the BEST boss I ever had. Although I never worked in the book department, for many years Record & Tape Ltd/Olsson's Books & Records were absolutely the best record shops in the Washington DC-area, bar none, and that was almost entirely due to the vision of John Olsson. I was proud to work there, I loved talking with him, and he always treated me as much more than an employee. He always seemed to care about people a lot more than the...

Jeanne, I just saw your dad's obit and was deeply saddened. I was hoping I didn't miss his service and the opportunity to see you. I'm too late. I miss you and your wonderful energy. I was devastated when Olsson's Arlington closed. I met Caroline Kennedy there, Toni Morrison, and a slew of political boys. I didn't know your dad, but his Arlington store was home, and I spent my lunch hour next door at the Dupont Circle store. People thought I worked there because I knew where everything was...