Obituary of Donald W. Olson

Donald W. Olson, of Bethel, beloved husband of Kathryn (Henry) Olson, died at Danbury Hospital on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.  He was born in Stamford, on December 27, 1944, son of the late Donald P. and May (Buttrey) Olson. 

Don owned and operated D.W. Olson Construction company in Bethel since 1970.  As a remodeling contractor, Don created friendships with customers, vendors and staff.  Don was a devoted member and servant of the Bethel United Methodist Church. He was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corp, serving from 1962 until 1965.  He was track volunteer and operator of Bethel Supercross BMX for 40 years.  Don enjoyed playing billards with many long time friends as he was an avid pool player.

Don was a devoted husband, and father.  He loved all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He shared his love of BMX with each of his children and grandchildren and shared a special unique bond with all of them. He was anxiously awaiting the births of two new great grandchildren.   

In addition to his cherished wife of almost 52 years, Kathy, he will be missed by his daughter, Lisa Vail and her husband David, and their son, Timothy Vail (Deceased); his daughter,  Lenore Richey and her husband Phil, and their children, Michael Mendlesohn (Lauren), Shane Mendelsohn, Samuel and Erica Richey, and Jamie Leigh; his son, Donald E. Olson and his fiancé, Michele, and their children, Donald E. Jr (Tori), Julionna and Alysha Olson, Raquel Olson, Brianna Marucci (August Wiles), and Hunter Davis.  He is also survived by seven great grandchildren, Gabriel, Sophie, Levi, Braden, Rylee, Cora, and Donald Parker; and his sisters, Karen Hanley, Nadine Witter, and Joan Williams; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. 

He was predeceased by his sister, Eileen Gaspar.

A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be celebrated on Saturday, July 22^nd at Bethel United Methodist at 10:30am. 

The family will receive friends at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, on Friday, July 21 between the hours of 4:00 – 7:00pm

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to: Bethel United Methodist Church, 141 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, CT 06801 (www. https://www.bethelmethodist.net/donate),

Bethel Community Food Pantry or to the Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Dept.