Stanley I. Olsen

Middle Island, New York - Stanley Ivar Olsen, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on July 18, 2023, at the age of 82 years.

Stanley was born on January 18, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, to Gesine and Karl Olsen. He met his love, Violet (Vickie), at the age of 14, and his life was forever changed. After spending time as a seaman in the Navy, he returned home to marry her. They were wed in 1963, and raised three children together in Bellmore and Massapequa Park. While Stan had several professional roles throughout his life, his primary job was always being a husband and a father. He was a pillar to his family in every way, supporting his children in endeavors big and small and taking exceptional care of his wife during the last years of her life when things were more than any normal husband could ever handle- but Stanley was far from any normal husband, father or friend.

Stan spent his life serving his community. After his service in the Navy, he joined the New York Police Department as a police officer, and then detective for 23 years. After retiring from the police, he went into business with his former NYPD partner, giving the neighborhood of East New York the friendliest meat market around. He also volunteered at a local food pantry and was the man people turned to whenever they needed help.

It wasn't just putting family first every day that made Stan so special; it was also in the big moments and traditions he created. Stan was a big part of every family reunion for over 60 years in the Catskill Mountains with 50+ family members- both extended and chosen. Stan and Violet brought people together, always hosting parties from Saint Patrick’s Day to Christmas.  Stan had a way of making everyone feel welcome with a perfectly delivered joke and the most genuine grin.

Stan’s loyalty extended beyond the neighborhoods he served, as he stood by the New York Mets through every painful season. Stan’s love of the Mets was deep and he passed this down through the generations. He loved playing golf and had a knack for finding lost balls- a hobby that was enhanced when he moved next to a golf course in retirement. When he wasn’t on the course, he could be found whistling with his canine companion, Tyler, often perched on his shoulder. He was a human jukebox- knowing every song lyric and artist from memory. Stan was an enthusiastic reader, with James Patterson’s novels allowing him to solve mysteries long past his years as a detective. He loved to be challenged and never met a Sudoku puzzle he couldn’t solve. Stan was a man of luck- whether that be going to the race track, playing the slot machines, or getting scratch-offs for everyone he loved. Cruising was Stan and Violet’s favorite mode of transportation, often bringing along those they cared about. They cruised on dozens of journeys; their favorite place to be was on the high seas.

Stanley will be deeply missed by his three children and their spouses: Keith and Andrea Olsen, Susan and Marco Mulder, Jennifer and Robert Alessi; and his eight grandchildren: Eric Olsen, Amanda and Sam Dellheim, Danielle Mulder, Lauren Mulder, Madison Mulder, Alexandra Alessi, Andrew Alessi and Brandon Alessi and his sister Sonja Sullivan. He is predeceased by his beloved bride, Violet. His legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter will continue to resonate in the hearts of those he knew.

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