Obituary for Donald Joseph Olmstead Jr.
Donald J. Olmstead Jr. of Manasquan NJ passed away at the age of 85 on Sunday, April 11th, 2021. Don was born to Sophie and Donald Olmstead on July 17, 1935, in Bronxville NY. Don was predeceased by his loving wife Olga in 2018, his brother Bruce in 2015, his nephew Darryl in 2019, and is survived by his daughters, Linda (Steven) and Darlene (Michael), as well as his beloved grandchildren, Adam (Maegan), Brian, Joseph and Karilina. Don is also survived by his sister Patricia (Mike), brother-in-law Paul (Lucille), nieces, grand-nephews and cousins.
Donald was an Industrial Arts teacher for over 30 years in the New Rochelle School system and loved teaching and coaching. Always kind, patient and positive, he was beloved by his students and fellow teachers.
When not in the classroom, Don could be found on the golf course, and that's what he looked forward to most upon retiring. Donald was an active volunteer for the MGA for many years, and volunteered at numerous PGA/LPGA tournaments in the metropolitan area. He was so happy to be involved with anything golf related, and was thrilled to meet the players and have the opportunity to play those courses after working. He passed along his passion for golf to his grandsons, and was happiest out on the course teaching/playing with them. He also played for many years on the senior league team in Manasquan NJ, where he formed lifelong friendships.
Don's other love was the beach, and he always looked forward to summer visits from his children and grandchildren at their home on the Jersey shore. He spent every possible moment with them swimming, biking, kayaking, golfing, crabbing, playing arcade games at Gee-Gees, and ending the nights with ice cream at Hoffman’s. During the rest of the year, he and Olga would be found in the stands at all of the grandkids' sporting events cheering them on, from ice hockey to figure skating, to baseball and lacrosse.
He was treasured by his daughters and grandchildren and will always hold a special place in their hearts. Donald was described by all who knew him as a true gentleman-always polite, kind, and generous who simply had a heart of gold. He led an exemplary life of service, and took true pleasure in volunteering.
He was an active member in the Lutheran churches in White Plains, Pleasantville, and Manasquan, serving on a multitude of committees. He also spent many years active in the Valhalla Lions Club, serving a term as District President, and had a wonderful group of friends there.
Don was an avid all around sports fan, but his special team was Big Blue-his love of the NY Giants throughout their ups and downs was constant, and he went into each season optimistic of a Super Bowl win. As a season ticket holder for almost 40 years, he looked forward to tailgating at the home games with his closest friends and relatives.
Donald had a life well lived, was loved dearly by his family and friends, and will be deeply missed. A private graveside service will take place at Holy Mount Cemetery in Tuckahoe NY on Saturday April 17th, 2021.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease, https://www.michaeljfox.org/, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Manasquan NJ https://holytrinity-elca.org/, or a charity meaningful to you.
Donald was an Industrial Arts teacher for over 30 years in the New Rochelle School system and loved teaching and coaching. Always kind, patient and positive, he was beloved by his students and fellow teachers.
When not in the classroom, Don could be found on the golf course, and that's what he looked forward to most upon retiring. Donald was an active volunteer for the MGA for many years, and volunteered at numerous PGA/LPGA tournaments in the metropolitan area. He was so happy to be involved with anything golf related, and was thrilled to meet the players and have the opportunity to play those courses after working. He passed along his passion for golf to his grandsons, and was happiest out on the course teaching/playing with them. He also played for many years on the senior league team in Manasquan NJ, where he formed lifelong friendships.
Don's other love was the beach, and he always looked forward to summer visits from his children and grandchildren at their home on the Jersey shore. He spent every possible moment with them swimming, biking, kayaking, golfing, crabbing, playing arcade games at Gee-Gees, and ending the nights with ice cream at Hoffman’s. During the rest of the year, he and Olga would be found in the stands at all of the grandkids' sporting events cheering them on, from ice hockey to figure skating, to baseball and lacrosse.
He was treasured by his daughters and grandchildren and will always hold a special place in their hearts. Donald was described by all who knew him as a true gentleman-always polite, kind, and generous who simply had a heart of gold. He led an exemplary life of service, and took true pleasure in volunteering.
He was an active member in the Lutheran churches in White Plains, Pleasantville, and Manasquan, serving on a multitude of committees. He also spent many years active in the Valhalla Lions Club, serving a term as District President, and had a wonderful group of friends there.
Don was an avid all around sports fan, but his special team was Big Blue-his love of the NY Giants throughout their ups and downs was constant, and he went into each season optimistic of a Super Bowl win. As a season ticket holder for almost 40 years, he looked forward to tailgating at the home games with his closest friends and relatives.
Donald had a life well lived, was loved dearly by his family and friends, and will be deeply missed. A private graveside service will take place at Holy Mount Cemetery in Tuckahoe NY on Saturday April 17th, 2021.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease, https://www.michaeljfox.org/, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Manasquan NJ https://holytrinity-elca.org/, or a charity meaningful to you.