Obituary of Henry Olsen

Henry Olsen passed away on March 28th 2017 at the age of 78. He was born in Buffalo to the late Ada and Henry Olsen. As the eldest of six sisters, he is survived by Pauline, Matilda, Kitty and Barbara. He leaves behind his beloved wife Florence, treasured daughter Amy and her devoted husband Andy. He loved his stepson Phil and wife Mandy, stepdaughter Samara and husband Keith and cherished grandchildren Jacob, Courtney, Lindsey and Jeremy. Among his many nephews and nieces, Jim DeMaio was a special source of pride and support. Along with many wonderful friends, his dear friend Esther Weiss was there for him every step of the way. Henry received BS and MS degrees from Buffalo State College, an MA from the University of Buffalo and a PhD from Michigan State University. He was a Professor of Sociology and Research Methods at CUNY’s Medgar Evers College for 38 years. He authored three books, numerous articles, gave seminars and was awarded more than $14 million in grant money for the college. As a society board member, Henry served the Heritage Hills community since 2007 and was an active participant on the Condo 26 board. He was also on the Citizens Fiscal Advisory Committee for the Somers School Board and a Heritage Hills liaison to the Somers Town Board. An avid sports fan, Henry was faithful to the Dodgers, Michigan State Spartans, Buffalo Bills and the UConn Huskies Women’s Basketball team. As an enthusiastic tennis fan and player, Henry’s dream after retirement was to go to all the Grand Slam tournaments. Happily that dream was fulfilled. Memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, April 2nd at Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah from 3-5PM with a service at 4PM. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Henry’s name to Regional Hospice and Home Care Center in Danbury, CT. Call (203) 702-7400 or log on to regionalhospicect.org.