Olsson, Robert Paul

Robert Olsson, 92, of North Branford, CT died of natural causes in the comfort of his home with his family and Pippin the cat beside him on July 8. He was the son of the late Godfrey and Susan Olsson. He was a graduate of Green Mountain College and Quinnipiac College and was a dairyman whose career began as a small boy working on his grandfather's dairy farm, Shepherd Farms, in Woodbridge. In 1924 his Grandpa John bought a piece of seaside property in East Haven and it was named Shepherd's Grove (now known as Whaler's Point). It was here Bob developed his love of water, boats, swimming and formed lifelong memories that were never forgotten.

Bob served in the Navy during WWII from 1943 to 1946 as Sonarman 2nd Class aboard tugboat USS ATR1 in the Mediterranean and he received three medals.

He was a master storyteller who could make you laugh until you cried. Many of his stories involved misadventures with friends and car mishaps. He loved old cars and mowing the lawn.

Thanks to his loving daughter, Linda, he was able to spend the final year of his life sitting in the car by the water at Stony Creek and Branford Point watching the boats, coffee and cigarette in hand.

His wife of 66 years, Jean, predeceased him by 14 months. He leaves behind his daughters who cared for him at home, Christine O. Voos of North Branford and Linda O. Brotherton of Burney, CA. Grandchildren Jeffrey Voos (Natalie), Katharine Albarella (Michael), Sage Hale (Parker), Sara Evans, Robert Evans, great grandchildren Allison Voos, and Josie, Cash and Cruz Hale. He was predeceased by son-in-laws Raymond Voos, David Evans and Walter Brotherton, and his brother (John Olsson) and sister (Barbara McNamara).

Robert's daughters would like to gratefully thank Vitas Hospice of Middlebury for their compassion and care of their father.

Arrangements are provided by the Hawley Lincoln Memorial Funeral Service. A family burial will be held at Northford Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Vitas Hospice, 199 Park Road Ext., Suite 102, Middlebury, CT 06471. To sign the online guestbook please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.