Richard T Olmsted

Richard Tyson Olmsted was born on June 8, 1946 in Derby, Connecticut and passed away at Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains, New Jersey on October 24, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.
Richard spent his early childhood in his father's hometown of Conneaut, Ohio until the family moved to Chatham in 1957. After graduation from Chatham High School, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology from Baldwin Wallace College in Beria, Ohio.
An interest in racquet sports led Richard to the love of his life, Janice Weiss Olmsted. Introduced by a mutual friend, they took up tennis together, and soon it was "love." They met in the late seventies and were married in 1986 at Stanley Congregational Church in Chatham, and they settled in Chatham Township. Richard was a wonderful caring husband to his wife Janice and a great dad to their fur babies Murphy, Jake, and Cooper.
He was not only a brother, but also a best friend to his sister Linda Olmsted. Although as teenagers they didn't always see eye to eye, as they matured so did their relationship; so much so, they could have passed for twins. In his battle with cancer, Linda was his great ally and advocate.
Most of all, Richard was a strong and steady man with a kind heart and generous spirit. His parents, Richard H. Olmsted and Gladys Tyson Olmsted, who predeceased him, raised a kind, compassionate man who loved to serve his community. He was a devoted son-in-law to Lorraine and Bob Weiss, who also predeceased him.
Richard was also a very special brother-in-law to Linda and Gary Taylor and beloved uncle to Stefanie, Kimberly, and Craig. Kim's husband Mark and sons Ben and Sam and Stefanie's husband Jeff and son Gavin were also very fond of Richard. Everyone found in Richard a loveable guy with a calm presence and a dry sense of humor that made you smile or laugh out loud.
Richard joined BSA Troop 28 in 1957 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout, Scouting's highest youth achievement. Continuing his Scouting career as an Adult Leader with Troop 28, he excelled in many leadership positions including Scoutmaster, a role that his father held before him. He was recognized and awarded with many of Scouting's honors, including the District Award of Merit and the Council's highest award, the Silver Beaver.
In his more than 65 years with Chatham's BSA Troop 28, he was a role model and mentor to hundreds of young men, guiding them on their path from adolescence to adulthood. Over many decades, the boys and adults affectionately referred to Richard as Mr. 'O'.
Richard especially loved Scouting's outdoor program and he was always ready to share his knowledge, experience, and time with others. He served as a merit badge counselor, not just for Troop 28, but for other scouts in the greater community. His passion for Scouting was unparalleled!
He leaves a legacy of compassion, caring, and service to others, and will be greatly missed by all who have had the privilege of knowing him.
As Richard's day has come to an end
"Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh."