Peter Christian Olsen, Sr., passed away peacefully at his home on September 20, 2024. He was born in Queens, NY, in 1943, to parents Eugene Wilbur Olsen and Georgina Mitchell Olsen Lyon. The grandson of immigrants, Peter was raised to become a proud American, to work hard and strive for a successful career.

He loved and is survived by his wife Alison; children Peter Christian Olsen II (Gladys), Simon Olsen, Elizabeth Raum (Brandon); grandchildren Analisa Olsen, George Raum, Kaia Raum and Alana Raum; and sister Jayne Geribo of Holland, MI. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Vernon Rose and Gordon Rose; sister-in-law Barbara Heaver (Maurice); and many cherished cousins, nephews and nieces - and his faithful dog Cooper.

Peter spent every summer of his early years at beautiful Whaley Lake in Dutchess County, NY, gaining a love of nature and water sports. This was a meeting place for all his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Peter graduated from Great Neck North Senior High School and went to New York University, graduating with a business degree. He joined the management consulting firm Brooks International Corporation, where he worked mainly overseas. He then started a long and interesting career in the financial sector. He attained VP positions in several companies, including CitiCorp and Deutsche Bank, with a good deal of travel for business in Europe. Money magazine quoted Peter as an expert and The New York Times wrote an article about his successful transition from finance to the real estate industry.

Peter was a very patriotic young man. In the late 1960s he planned to join the Marines as a helicopter pilot but was rejected due to a bad knee. Since he had a job at ConEdison as a student, he instead worked for Philco-Ford in Southeast Asia. He traveled to Vietnam, Thailand and Korea to set up satellites for military communications.

Peter and Alison raised their children in Cortlandt Manor, NY, where they enjoyed many sports activities. They traveled frequently in the US and Europe for both sports and enrichment when Elizabeth and Simon were in high school.

Peter remained active in his retirement years. He worked with the consulting firm Global Capital Service Group. He was a lifelong learner, always acquiring new skills such as growing tomatoes, baking bread, creating skin creams and cooking delicious meals. He also was a substitute teacher, loving every moment with his students. He continued to enjoy crossword puzzles, gadgets and new technology. He was a strong supporter of his Mets and Yankees.

The greatest joy in retirement was his love for his grandchildren. He took great pride in Analisa’s achievements and being a wonderful “FaFa” (Norwegian grandpa) to his younger grandchildren, always ready with a smile, hug and a lot of fun.

Peter was, above all, a gentle and kind man who only wanted to be at peace with his family and his dog. He was thoughtful and didn’t speak much, but when he did, he did it with purpose. He made larger statements with his actions. His family misses him greatly and takes solace in that Peter’s kindness, love, compassion and family live on in us.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Hospice or the charity of your choice.