Leonard M. Olsen
Jan. 3, 1974 – Nov. 20, 2011
Leonard M. Olsen, 37, of Spencer passed away suddenly Sunday Nov. 20. 2011, deeply mourned by his loving and beloved family.
Lenny is survived by his wife, Kerry, and his children: Samantha, Stacey, Ashley, Stephen and Alyssa. He also leaves his parents, Susan and Stephen Hahesy of West Brookfield, his brother, Douglas Olsen of Amherst, his father, Leonard A. Olsen of Beverly and his parents-in-law, Al and Donna Richer of Spencer. Also, he leaves his great aunt, Jane Taggart of Feasterville Trevose, Pa., and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Above all else, his love for his young family was the joy of his life. His work with cars, engines and boats and his avid support for the New England Patriots were a great and satisfying part of Lenny’s life, but always it was his family that was central to his being.
Born in Melrose, Lenny first met Kerry Richer 22 years ago as high school freshmen on the swim team at the Northeast Vocational Regional High School in Wakefield; they had begun dating by the next year and have been married for the past 18 years. As the children arrived, his happiness only grew – each daughter and his son sparking larger amounts of love.
The family shared camping trips in the White Mountains, boating, visiting with the children’s grandparents and sailing on the Hempstead Queen on Lake Wickaboag. Lenny especially enjoyed playing with the children and keeping track of their widespread activities.
He was most proud of the continuing personal, scholastic and professional accomplishments of his beloved wife, Kerry, and all the many achievements of the children at school and on the playing fields.
He especially shared his love of engines and automobiles with his young son, Stephen, and serving as the family’s very busy chauffeur, shuttling Samantha, Stacey, Ashley and Stephen to uncountable practices, games, rehearsals and other events. Little Alyssa is too small to have started her own series of games and concerts yet but, surely, Lenny would have been ready to drive her to those as well. It is sadly touching that he was struck down by a sudden illness while on an errand to buy a toy for one of his daughters.
Leonard M. Olsen attended the St. Rose Elementary School in Chelsea, the Lincoln School in Revere and the Northeast Vocational Regional High School in Wakefield. He met life’s challenges squarely, responsibly and did the best that he could. He was a loving husband, a proud father, a good son and a caring friend to all who knew him. His passing is a terrible blow to so many.
Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at the J. Henri Morin & Son Funeral Home at 23 Maple Terrace in Spencer. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Morin funeral home, followed by internment at the Mary Queen of the Rosary Cemetery at 60 Maple Street in Spencer.
In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the “Education Fund for the Olsen Children” c/o Country Bank, 75 Main Street, Ware, Massachusetts, 01082-1350.