Of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Niagara Hospice House. He was born in Buffalo, NY on April 28, 1927, a son of the late Aleck and Mildred [Susdorf] Olson.
Gene graduated from public schools and attended the University of Buffalo for English and Creative Writing. He spent a year in a Redemptorist seminary, studying for the Catholic missionary priesthood, but God had other plans for him. On July 4, 1953, Gene married Agnes Mary Danielson in St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church in Buffalo.
In 1960, they moved to Niagara Falls, NY., together, they raised four sons. Agnes passed away in November of 2012.
He worked a total of 30 years in the editorial and advertising departments of the Buffalo Evening News, Niagara Gazette, Lockport Union Sun & Journal and the Buffalo Courier Express. As a freelance writer, he had hundreds of articles and poems published, including his "God Is Near" book of poems. He also worked in sales and sales management.
Gene was a longtime member and lector of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niagara Falls and its Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was a director and former president of the Niagara Falls First Friday Club. Gene was a Boy Scout leader and attained the rank of Life Scout. Gene served as a volunteer alcoholism counselor for many years.
Gene is survived by his sons Alan (fiance' Barbara), John (Qinqin) and Gregory (Joanne) Olson, his daughter in law Ellen Olson, four grandchildren Christopher (Jaymee) Nicholas (Steffany) Olson, Traci (Shawn) Clemens and Agnes Olson, eight great-grandchildren Christopher, Shelby, Corey, Dylan, Haylee, Theodore, Sophia and Rylee, also many nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late James Olson, father in law of the late Holly Olson, grandfather of the late Suni (James) Music, great grandfather of the late Mylee, brother of the late Alfred and Alvin Olson.
Everyone is invited to attend Gene's Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday at 10:00 AM at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph Parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Site, 2499 Independence Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY, with the Rev. Duane R. Klizek officiating.
Memorials may be made in his name to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church or to Niagara Hospice.
Entombment in Gate of Heaven, Lewiston, NY.
Arrangements were made through the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, Niagara Falls, NY.
Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com, for guest register.
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