Charles Robert "Bob" Olsen

Charles Robert (Bob) Olsen, age 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Gordonsville, VA on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 after a long battle with esophageal cancer. He was a kind and caring husband, father and son who loved God and his family and friends - he will be sorely missed. Bob was born on November 20, 1946 in Bethesda, MD to the late Charles Albert Olsen and Gisele Olsen Bentley. He is survived by his devoted wife of almost 32 years, Gay Olsen; loving daughter Tricia Olsen Frasca, her husband Steven and their children Caitlyn and Dominic; parents-in-law Lacy and Doris Mawyer; step-mother Dolores Olsen Westbrook; and step-sister Susan Arnold. Bob graduated in 1969 from the University of Maryland with a degree in Civil Engineering. He began his career at the Maryland State Highway Administration where he worked his way up to Chief Engineer, departing after 26 years. He then became the Director of Public Works for Baltimore County, Maryland, ultimately completing his career at a private consulting engineering firm. He was involved in numerous professional associations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers, Maryland Association of Engineers, Maryland County Engineers Association, and the National Quality Initiative. Bob was in the US Army Reserves from 1969 to 1975. He had a lifelong passion for golf, both playing and watching. He also enjoyed gardening, music of all kinds (especially hard rock), food, college basketball, NFL football and home design. The family wishes to express its sincere thanks to all the wonderful caregivers from Hospice of the Piedmont who helped tremendously during Bob’s illness. The memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at First Baptist Church, 735 Park Street, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902. Visitation for family and friends will be from 12:00 to 2:00 pm, with the service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society.