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John F. Olson, 83, lifelong resident of Deep River, passed away peacefully at Middlesex Hospital on Aug. 2. He was born on May 16, 1935, to proud parents Edwin Olson and Dorothy (Hamilton) Olson in Deep River. John is survived by his beloved wife Elinor Jane (LaFluer) Olson with whom he shared 56 years of marriage.

He graduated from Valley Regional High School in 1953, later earning his bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of New Hampshire. He went on to become the first full-time employee and eventually the CEO and president of Whelen Engineering Company, which has two locations, one in Chester and the other in Charlestown, New Hampshire. It was started in a garage and his passion, skill, motivation, and drive led the company to become a dominant force and industry leader in emergency lighting. John played an active role in the community as a volunteer firefighter, philanthropist, and ambulance member, and served on many commissions and boards.

He is survived by his two sons, James Olson and his wife Kim Olson of Deep River and Andrew Olson and his wife Heather Olson of Deep River. John is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Alex Olson and his wife Caroline, Nicholas Olson, Mia Olson, Shelby Olson, Thomas Olson, and Brian and Meagan Sticht. John leaves behind his dearly loved great-grandchild Theodore John Olson whom he cherished endlessly, and another future great-grandson on the way.

A Memorial Service will be held on Aug. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Valley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Rd., Deep River. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Deep River Fire Department, 57 Union St., or the Deep River Ambulance, P.O. Box 274, Deep River, CT 06417. To share a memory of John, or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook, Connecticut.