Alfred Hiller Olsen Jr.

Alfred Hiller Olsen Jr. obituary, Delta, PA

Alfred Hiller Olsen Jr.

Alfred Olsen Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Harkins Funeral Home, Inc. on Apr. 6, 2025.

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ALFRED HILLER OLSEN, JR., 78 of Delta, PA died in his home on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Born on October 1, 1946 in Syracuse, NY, he was a son of the late Alfred Hiller Olsen and Anna M. (Solinske) Olsen. After graduating from high school, he continued his education receiving his Bachelor Degree from West Virginia University where he continued to travel during his life to attend football games. Al was a chemistry teacher for Towson High School for 40 years retiring in 2010. Following his retirement, Al remained an active part of the school in Key Club and Kiwanis. He was committed to the students and their learning experience. Al was always there to lend a hand, give advice or tell a joke. He was beloved by all whose lives he touched.
Al loved attending the sporting events of his sons, hardly ever missing a game. He looked forward to attending holiday celebrations with his sons and was known to be grandfather who always brought cookies and candies for the grandsons. His kind spirit and welcoming smile will be missed by his family, friends, students and the Delta Community.
He is survived by:
Two sons-
Alfred Hiller Olsen, III and his wife, Holly of Urbandale, IA
Brant Rutherford Olsen and his wife, Kelly of Phoenixville, AZ
His three grandsons- Brant Olsen, Jr; Theodore Olsen and Wyatt Olsen
He was preceded in death by his siblings: David, Joan and Bill
Services will be private. Please consider leaving condolences for his family on the funeral home website.

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May 11, 2025

Jason Latham '94 posted to the memorial.

May 6, 2025

Daniel Reddy posted to the memorial.

April 14, 2025

kathie russell posted to the memorial.

Jason Latham '94

May 11, 2025

I had Mr Olsen for science class in 1992. I asked a girl out after class and she said no. Al said, "better luck next time"

Daniel Reddy

May 6, 2025

Al was a co-worker, friend, and mentor my first summer working for the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented program. Al made that summer memorable, and his students/colleagues really enjoyed working with him. He had a warm, friendly smile and demeanor; Al will be dearly missed.

kathie russell

April 14, 2025

I went to Grant junior and North high school( Syracuse, NY) with Alfred. I knew him as "Butch". We lived in the same neighborhood one street apart. We were friends. He was an usher in my wedding. We camped together for many years. He has been a part of my life and my children's lives. We saw him and Hunter just last year for the eclipse. I am gutted by this loss.
He was so smart and funny. I will drink a toast to you, Butch. RIP
My wife says she had conversations with Butch that would have you thinking for days. He was a treasure.
Dan & Kathie Russell

Courtney (Schlaffer) Mitchell

April 12, 2025

I had the pleasure of having Mr. Olsen for Chemistry in 10th grade and then had the chance to teach with him for a few years at THS before he retired. He was a great teacher who was invested in our growth and progress as students and as individuals. I can´t tell you how many labs I did and redid until I earned a better grade and understood the content. He had so much patience and was always kind. My thoughts are with you and your families at this time.

James Reilman

April 11, 2025

Mr. Olsen was such a wonderful teacher and joyful human being. Many years after graduating, he would still be liking Facebook posts, wishing Happy Birthday and checking in. It was always a touching reminder of growing up and keeping in touch with people.

Mark Pellegrino

April 11, 2025

Al and I worked together for many years at CTY in Carlisle. He, myself, and Dan Allen were very close. He was a kind man and a gifted educator. I was proud to know him and love him like a brother. Rest in peace my dear friend.

Allison Shelley

April 10, 2025

Hands down favorite teacher from Towson. Sending deepest condolences.

Patricia Yu

April 9, 2025

Mr. Olsen was one of my favorite teachers! He made chemistry fun and it made me want to pursue a degree in chemistry. Although I did well in his class, he failed to warn me how hard college level chemistry classes are. Or maybe he did... but he was also trying to keep me away from boys that maybe I wasn´t really listening!

Thanks for being an awesome teacher making such an impression to all of your students. You will be missed.

Rachel Davis

April 9, 2025

I´m so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Olsen. He was kind, funny, and made science fun. He made a big difference in a lot of our lives.

Kathy Ware

April 9, 2025

Mr. Olsen was my favorite science teacher. I had him for biology. When I went on to chemistry, I had a different teacher, who was awful. I would go to Mr. Olsen for tutoring. I was such a kind, patient man. I was very happy to see him at our last high school reunion.

J.J. Farley

April 9, 2025

I´m so sorry to hear about Mr. Olsen´s passing. He was a great teacher. I had him twice for Chemistry. So much fun and so able to communicate the material clearly and with enthusiasm. He even looked the other way once or twice when a few of us left a bit early to go sailing to treat a case of senioritis. Towson High was a better school because of Mr. Olsen. Class of `89.

John Hoatson

April 8, 2025

Mr. Olsen was truly one of the best. He truly will be missed by so many. My condolences to the family and friends. THS, Class of 1992

Jennie Tarantola

April 8, 2025

O, thankful for our time together in THS Science department and always there to help! Fond memories sharing Christmas Eve. Rest In Peace.

Jen Childs (Freburger)

April 8, 2025

Mr. Olsen was one of my most favorite teachers. He made chemistry interesting and fun- who knew it would be one of my best subjects? I learned so much from him and always turned things in on time because if we didn´t, we would be PDQSL- more affectionately known as "Pretty Darn Quick and Shoot Out of Luck". He was always willing to help us, and I was sad to hear of his passing. What a great man and teacher.

Sharon Menzel Rainville

April 8, 2025

I am very sorry to read of Mr. Olsen´s passing. He was definitely a fantastic teacher who cared deeply about his students´ learning in chemistry. I loved my time with him. He was a great joke teller and was always willing to chat outside the classroom. He will forever be a THS General!

Ellen Schneider

April 8, 2025

He inspired, mentored, and taught with such enthusiasm...you could not come away from any of his classes without actually feeling like you learned something. It may not have always been about what he was teaching but you learned something about yourself as well. We were more than just students. He will be missed but I'm sure his legacy will live on in so many that had the opportunity to learn from him. Prayers for his family and thanks for sharing him with us.

Bill Russell

April 8, 2025

Mr. Olsen was a truly incredible teacher and mentor. He was incredibly hard working and invested in the development of his students. He inspired many to go further with chemistry, with some of my classmates pursuing careers in the sciences. Despite the rigor of his classes, he was always able to keep things light hearted and fun. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on!

Christine Schott

April 8, 2025

Oh Mr. Olson. I am so sure that you will be missed by so many. I will continue to be a PITA as much as possible (that's a "Pain In The Neck", you know). You gave me a love for chemistry class!!!

Meredith Rivers Burkitt

April 8, 2025

So sorry to hear as Mr. Olsen was an amazing teacher and mentor. He promoted STEM before it was even coined and encouraged me to pursue a degree and career in the STEM field. I had him first thing in the morning and he always had a smile on his face. Sincere condolences to his family

Kim Stange Schlaffer

April 8, 2025

Sending thoughts and prayers to your family for comfort and peace, in the days ahead. I loved your dad. He was a very good friend and colleague of my dad´s while teaching at Ridgely Jr. High (prior to Towson High!) I have many memories of times spent together! May he Rest In Eternal Peace.

Ali Saine

April 8, 2025

Mr Olsen was one of the best teachers I ever had. He was also a great influence on why I decided to become one for my first career. He was such a sunny spot and will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Lisa Emmons Garland

April 8, 2025

Mr.Olsen was my favorite teacher at towson high . He was funny, caring, really listened. He made learning fun not boring. I kept in touch with him even after school,when i got married, ect. He will be greatly missed . He also never forgot your birthday (being on facebook) He was always commenting with a birthday message not just to me,but other fellow students he was friends with on facebook.RIP and we wont forget you . Our prayers are with your family.

William Buick

April 8, 2025

Mr. Olsen was a kind man whose joy in being a teacher radiated from everything he did. His smile and calm demeanor always inspired me in my first few years as a teacher, and I carried his example with me after he retired. Thank you, sir. May peace and blessings find you.

Samad Fakhar

April 7, 2025

My brothers and I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Olsen at Towson High School during our respective tenures at the Capital District Key Club. Mr. Olsen was always kind, supportive, and generous with his time not only during our high school years at Dulaney, but also kept in touch wishing each of us well every year post Key Club. Our condolences are with the Olsen family as we are thinking about Mr. Olsen during this time.

The Fakhar Family
Samad, Arshad and Saad Fakhar

Erin Schnirel

April 7, 2025

Al always had time to listen and share funny stories. He had a heart of gold and a wonderful sense of humor. He touched so many hearts. I am hoping he and Matt Jochman are swapping jokes in heaven!

Bruce Seward

April 7, 2025

Al was an awesome educator, colleague, friend and mentor. He was beloved by his students and all of us who worked alongside of him. Additionally Al touched the spirits of all who had the good fortune to know him in such a positive and inspiring manner. With his passing our world is a bit dimmer; however, heaven has gained a brilliant new star. Rest well Al.

John Stevens

April 7, 2025

I worked with Al at Towson High School for many years before he retired. No matter what was going on, seeing Al was always a nice distraction. He always had a smile for you or a joke or kind word. He was kind, compassionate, funny, and wise and was always able to frame any trouble with a manageable perspective. God bless you, Al.

Debra Richmond

April 7, 2025

My heart goes out to all of Al's family. I send you all my deepest condolences. I worked with Al for many years and he was the best. He always made me laugh. I'll never forget one of my first pep rallies at THS back in the 90's when he was pulled around the gym on what I think was a trash can and was putting down the rival team and cheering for Towson. He was a character with a sharp wit and a heart of gold.

Bradley C Eastham

April 7, 2025

Al Olsen was always a kind and energetic person to work with. He was a great person to talk with and always had good advice to help me be a better teacher or help me get through frustrating times. We are all grateful for his time and energy to Towson High School. Rest in peace, Al!

Karen Mueller

April 7, 2025

Mr Olsen was my absolute favorite teacher throughout my years of schooling. He made learning fun! What an amazing person inside and out. Mr Olsen will certainly be missed. My condolences to his family.

Mary Williams

April 7, 2025

He was the absolute best oatmeal raisin cookie maker in the world. He always told me that chemists make the best bakers and he was so right about that. I will miss his sense of humor and his sense of human. I am so glad that I was able to be friends with Al Olsen. We worked together at Towson HS.

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Not sure what to say?

May 11, 2025

Jason Latham '94 posted to the memorial.

May 6, 2025

Daniel Reddy posted to the memorial.

April 14, 2025

kathie russell posted to the memorial.