Richard John Olson

Richard “Rick” Olson, 78, went to be with Jesus on May 7, 2024. Born to Ivar and Vilma Olson, formally of 48 Fairview Avenue, he attended public schools in Wallingford, CT., was a graduate of Cheshire Academy and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Butler University. Rick enlisted in the United States Army, serving three years assigned to the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, the Pentagon, Washington DC.

He then joined the staff of George Washington University, where he also earned a Masters of Arts in Special Education, worked as Director of several Early Childhood Programs for the State of Maryland, as Director of Saint Coletta School in Virginia and was affiliated with a number of consulting firms and for-profit businesses.

As Fiscal Project Manager with Fairfax County, VA, Rick raised money for the Medical Care for Children Project. He transferred to the school system working primarily with conduct disordered, gang involved teens. At his retirement from the school system, Rick remarked that he had been blessed to work with those “… in the dawn of their lives, in the twilight of their lives and in the shadows of life.”

He was an active member of West Gate Chapel, held offices in many civic organizations, was a conservative political activist and a strong right-to-life advocate. He loved to garden, collect antiques, listen to country music, drive his pickup truck, collect John Mosby memorabilia and was a published author.

Mr. Olson was preceded in death by his parents, his brother George and his first wife, Rita Gordon Olson. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Dr. Betty Ann Olson, and two sons, Dylan and Shane.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to West Gate Chapel, 4500 Southgate Place, Chantilly, Virginia 20151.

A visitation and service is scheduled for May 18, 2024, at 2:00pm, located at Demaine Funeral Home in Fairfax, 10565 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Mr. Olson will be interred at the Olson/Adam family grave site in St. John’s Cemetery in Wallingford, CT. A graveside service will be provided by Baileys Funeral Home.