Obituary of Robert Hilding Olson

Robert Hilding Olson, of Chester, Connecticut passed away peacefully in the company of friends and family on March 16, 2018 at the age of 82. A Madison, Connecticut resident for 46 years and raised in Seymour, Connecticut, he was born on March 8, 1936 to Ethel Bezel Olson & John Hilding Olson in Derby, Connecticut. A 1954 graduate of Seymour High School, he was a talented basketball player earning an athletic scholarship from Quinnipiac College and an academic scholarship from Southern Connecticut State University during his undergraduate studies. He joined the United States Air Force where he was stationed at the USAF Academy from 1956-1960. After serving his country he completed his undergraduate studies and earned his Master's Degree in Education-Mathematics from Central Connecticut State University and his "Sixth Year" in Education-Mathematics from the University of Connecticut. Bob, as he was known, had an extensive career spanning over thirty years as a secondary mathematics teacher serving the communities of Hamden, North Haven and mostly, Madison, where he taught at Daniel Hand High School until his retirement. Additionally, he was an adjunct professor of mathematics for over twenty-two years at Quinnipiac College. He also held adjunct faculty positions at University of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University and Mitchell College. He was a member of: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Education Association, Connecticut Education Association, Madison Education Association & Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Connecticut. When not educating young people, Bob enjoyed yard work and spending time with his family and friends. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a loyal friend, devoted husband of over 51 years and a caring and principled father who led by example. His kind and gentle demeanor will be missed by all! He is predeceased by his wife, Joyce Fontaine Olson and survived by his son, John Hilding Olson, daughter-in-law Katherine Camille Wilkes and grandson, Parker Hilding Olson of Madison, CT. He is also survived by his brother, Gordon Olson of Pompano Beach, FL, and predeceased by his sister Dorothy Olson Savrine. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 23, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Robinson Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main St. Centerbrook, CT. Funeral service and interment will follow at West Cemetery, Madison, CT. To share a memory of Bob or send a condolence to his family please visit www.rwwfh.com