Obituary of Thomas H. Olsen

Thomas Howard Olsen

          “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”
                                     -Plato

On Saturday, May 13, 2017, Tommy Olsen moved ahead to prepare a path for us.  His departure  was marked by peace, love, grace, and the prayers of many.   We are forever grateful for his kindness and love he brought to our lives.  A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 19th at 10:00 am at the Calvary Evangelical Free Church, 450 Fells Road, Essex Fells, NJ.  Interment to follow at Restland Memorial Park, East Hanover.  Friends, fans and relatives may visit on Thursday, May 18th from 4-8 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Ave, Denville. In lieu of flowers, donations by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org may be made to the good work of Calvary Free Church .

Tommy was born on December 9, 1975 to Howie and Judi Olsen.  He flourished in Whippany, graduating from Whippany Park HS in 1994.  Tommy was beautiful, bright, athletic and kind to friends and strangers alike.  He excelled in sports year-round and his parents loved to watch him play and succeed.  As middle children do, he marched to the beat of his own drum.  Boys will be boys and when the kids got into mischief, Tommy was the one who’d get caught. This was a source of amusement and delight to family and friends, especially his brother and sister. When he wasn’t at school, Tommy could be found in the community donating his time to service projects or volunteering at the local nursing home.  Because he wanted to.  Tommy cared about others; was a natural leader, and always drew a crowd.  He had an ability to truly listen to people, a gift that is rare.  He was compassionate to all and understanding to a fault. 

After HS graduation, Tommy studied at FDU in Madison, where he excelled academically. He earned his MA in psychology and worked briefly in this field.  He went on to work with the Carpenters Local #254 and proved his hands were as gifted as his mind. Sometimes stubborn and quite deliberate, more often he was goofy, loving and sweet.  His kind and caring soul will be missed more than words may express.    Nor will words describe the depth of his love for his children Maddy, Skye and TJ.  They were his greatest source of joy, fulfillment and strength in this world. Although our hearts are broken, the thoughts of his joy will heal us in time.

He leaves beautiful memories to his loving and supportive parents Howard and Judith Olsen; his adoring sister and brother in law Trisha & Michael Corbitt; his amazing children Maddy, Skye and TJ Olsen; dear family Mark and Carol Tognetti and their children Mark, Samantha and Matt; and many more loving relatives, supporters and dear, lifelong friends. Tommy’s brother and best friend David “Biff” passed previously.  We take comfort in knowing that the love that has always bound them, has been rejoined.

               "You cannot do a kindness to soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."

                                                                           - Ralph Waldo Emerson