Eugene R. "Gene" Olson

1932 - 2025

Eugene R. "Gene" Olson
Eugene R. "Gene" Olson, 92, of Middletown, beloved husband of Caroline (Palmieri) Olson, died peacefully on July 24, 2025, at Middlesex Hospital. He was born on August 7, 1932, in Middletown, son of the late Robert M. Olson and Marion E. (Dunn) Olson.
He attended Middletown High School & Vinal Tech in Middletown and was employed at Dunn's Service Station owned by his uncle's Walter and Lewis Dunn on Washington Street before enlisting to serve in the U.S Army.
Gene proudly and courageously served in the 3rd Infantry Division in the Korean War as a U.S. Army Private First Class from 1952 to 1954. On June 28, 1953, he earned his Combat Infantry Badge. While overseas, he purchased his first Canon camera, sparking a lifelong love for photography. Through his lens, he captured moments from his life and ours, giving his family a timeless gift and an enduring legacy.
Upon his return from Korea, he proposed to the love of his life Caroline Palmieri. They married in September of 1955, and they were together for 62 years. Gene was her loving caregiver every day and kept her safe and at home with him until her passing in 2018.
Gene joined the O.V. Coffin Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 in 1955 as a regular. Before retiring, he served as a Lieutenant Firefighter for the City of Middletown, dedicating 35 years to the community. Throughout his career, he forged meaningful relationships by mentoring coworkers and forming genuine friendships with those he encountered, all while helping others. He was a skilled Firefighter who deeply respected his colleagues and used his jovial personality to enhance his work and build a successful career. Simply put, Gene loved being a Firefighter, where he did it and who he did it with. Even after his retirement, he was passionate about Middletown Fire Department history and antique fire equipment. He was an active committee member of the Middletown Tiller Association and served as their mechanical engineer - assisting with coordinating the return of the 1930 American LaFrance fire truck to its original home in Middletown, CT.
Gene was a dedicated fan of the "Fighting Irish" Notre Dame Football team, standing by them through every win and loss. Notre Dame embodies and embraces the values of Community, Tradition, Faith, and Excellence. These core values resounded with him, and he instilled those values in his family and used these principles to guide him in life.
Gene is survived by his son, Robert Olson and wife Marlene of Gilbert, AZ and his daughter Mary-Jean Ercolani and husband Peter, of Middletown; two grandchildren, Tomas Ercolani of Middletown and Sarah Olson of Gilbert, AZ.
The family would like to extend a special acknowledgement to Dr. Michelle A. Cardona at Middlesex Family Medicine for her many years of compassionate care and support.
Friends may call at Biega Funeral Home on Wednesday July 30th from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 31st at 11 a.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown; friends may gather prior to the service from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will be held at the State Veterans' Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Liberty Bank c/o Middletown Tiller Association, 460 S. Main Street Middletown, CT 06457 or Middletown Fire Local 1073, 533 Main St., Middletown, CT 06457. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.