John "Jack" Olsen Jr.

John “Jack” Olsen, Jr., 81, of South Dennis MA, formerly of Holbrook MA, passed away Wednesday November 23, 2016. Jack was the loving husband to Gloria A. Olsen. He is also survived by four children; John A. Olsen III and his wife Shelia of Woodstock, GA, Mark Olsen and his wife Tracy of North Easton, MA, Karen Olsen Schoonmaker and her husband James of Arlington, MA, and Janet Olsen Staff and her husband Donald of Mansfield, MA. Jack was also the proud Grandpa of six grandchildren Sara Olsen, Mark Olsen, Caitlin Olsen, Laura Grace Schoonmaker, Anne Schoonmaker and Emily Schoonmaker, who were the apples of his eye.

Jack was at heart a teacher, although he worked as a master machinist, and general contractor throughout his life. He began his career at Fore River Ship Yard “Quincy Ship Yard” where he became a Master Machinist and Supervisor for many of the Navy’s most difficult shipbuilding challenges. Jack spent twelve years at Blue Hills Regional Technical School where he taught hundreds of students, math and the machine trade. He built over 70 homes on Cape Cod including the home that he and Gloria shared in South Dennis. He also owned and operated Olsen Machine for many years.

Jack was an avid outdoorsman and Boy Scout leader. He was a proud member of the Armed Services, serving in the Army during the Korean War and was an accomplished marksman having been recruited to the Army’s Competition Pistol Team. But mostly Jack will be remembered as a man who could find the glimmer of potential within any person. Throughout his life, he mentored many young people and people who were down on their luck. He would show them tough love, and impart the skills and knowledge they needed to get their lives on track.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 2, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 5 Barbara Street, South Yarmouth MA, 02664. Inurnment immediately following, Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Town of Dennis Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 2060, South Dennis, MA 02260 or Cape Cod Hospital / Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation P.O. Box 370 Hyannis, MA 02601.