Warren Everett Olsen
Warren Everett Olsen of Opelika, Alabama, passed away at East Alabama Medical Center on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, following a brief illness.
He was born on Aug. 22, 1929, in Englewood, N.J. He received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a chemical salesman for Shell Chemical Company for 37 years before retiring in 1988.
Warren began married life in New York but shortly after moved to Anniston, Alabama, where he was stationed in the Army. He relocated for his job early in his career, living in New York and California before settling in New Jersey in 1963. In 2016, he moved to Opelika to be near family.
Warren and his wife, Marilyn, were awarded Vernon Township Senior Citizens of the Year in 2003. They delivered Meals on Wheels faithfully for 20 years. In 2009, they were nominated by the Sussex County Meals on Wheels chapter for the Meals on Wheels Association of America’s annual American Volunteer Contest.
Warren was active in the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, served on the Vernon Zoning Board of Adjustment and was a trustee of the Highland Lakes Country Club and Community Association. He was actively involved in Boy Scouts while his son was growing up, enjoying nothing more than spending time with family.
Warren was a man of many hobbies and talents. He enjoyed the challenge of fixing things himself. He loved photography and had his own dark room for developing, and he eventually became entranced with creating videos. Growing up around the water, he loved boating of any type, taught his children and grandchildren how to sail and obtained his Captain’s license to be able to charter boats with his family and friends. Warren was also interested in model trains, creating a model train track with his grandchildren and expanding his collection over the years. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends.
Surviving are his to children, Jill (Steve) Passaretti of Opelika, Ala., and Oakwood, Ohio, and Paul (Cass) Olsen of Hanover, N.H., and Opelika, Ala.; grandchildren, Michael (Emily) Passaretti, Amy Passaretti, Meredith (Bryce) Petty and Christian Olsen; as well as four great-grandchildren, Lydia and Theodore Passaretti and Quinn and Ellie Petty. He is also survived by his sister Marilyn (George) Robinson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Marilyn, parents Herbert and Lillian Olsen, and brothers Ellwood and Clifford Olsen. Warren was a consummate family man who will forever be remembered for the strength of his marriage and his love and devotion to his family.
The best way to honor Warren would be to live your life as he did, always be kind, love your family, help those in need and be grateful for all you have.
Funeral services are private. Arrangements are by Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, Opelika, Ala. (jeffcoattrant.com).