David G. Olsen, passed away on December 13, 2023, at the age of 84.  He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and his daughters, Sonja (Ian Savage) and Karin (Bruce Cavanaugh). David adored his 5 wily grandsons – Christopher David (15), Mackenzie Kristian (14), Colin Nicholas (13), Alistair Robert "Kipper" (12), and Brady Olsen (10).

David was born in Brooklyn, NY on June 13, 1939, to Irving and Alma Olsen. He has a twin sister and loved to tell the story about how he had to sleep in the dresser drawer because there was only one crib.  From a very young age, Dave was happy with simple things. David's oldest brother, Paul, passed away last year. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth, and younger brothers, Stephen and Norman (Toby).

David grew up in Brooklyn and took the subway to Stuyvesant High School and later to CCNY.  He deeply admired his older brother, Paul, who also attended CCNY.  David was proud that his daughters were able to go to college in beautiful, bucolic settings and avoid taking the subway to class.  Education was very important to David. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania Dental School and obtained his Orthodontic degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.  He served in the US Army as a dentist.  After being discharged, he opened a practice in Bay Ridge and took great pleasure in serving the local community. His office was lined with photos of beautiful smiles and he always said that his patients kept him young.

David purchased his first pair of skis with money he made as a messenger boy in Manhattan. He taught himself how to ski in Bliss Park. He loved skiing and some of his happiest times were at Telemark Ski Club in Pittsford Vermont. He loved "the Club" and went to as many work weekends as possible, serving on the Maintenance Committee for decades. Telemark was a second home and its members, a second family.

David enjoyed a strong sense of service. He served as President of the American Dental Society, was on the Board of Trinity Lutheran Church and of Eger Health Care. He followed in his father's footsteps by serving as the Dentist at the Norwegian Christian Home, where he was also an active board member.

Despite living in Brooklyn for most of his life, David loved the tranquility of the water. Shelter Island became his second home in 1981 and he loved spending summers out east.  He was an avid sailor and relished helping new sailors "learn the ropes" in the Menantic Yacht Club.  When he could not be ON the water, he was IN the water, "taking a dip" or fishing.  On any summer evening, you could find David riding to the beach on his bike, beer and fishing pole in tow.

During winter months, David would ride his bike along the Belt Parkway to Coney Island to get a Nathan's hot dog. Stories of a 5¢ hot dog and subway token were common, and while he enjoyed many baseball games with his grandsons, he could not get over the price of beer at Citi Field!

David was a beloved PopPop and was so proud of his grandsons.  He cheered at the ice rink, along the track, at the baseball fields and on Randall's Island. "You can't win 'em all" he would say when the score was not in our favor. He was always up for an adventure with the boys- and taking 5 boys anywhere in Manhattan is a challenge!

David was riding his bike until a few weeks ago and had planned on skiing this winter with his dear friend, Dennis, aka "Moose", and his Telemark partners-in-crime until he became ill. We hope you will remember him as the generous, fun loving, kind-hearted, robust man that he was.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either of the following:

Eger Healthcare or the Norwegian Christian Home

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Visitation
Sunday (12/17)
2 PM - 5 PM
Complimentary Valet Parking Available

Prayer Service & Words of Remembrance
Sunday (12/17)
4 PM

Departing Prayer
Monday (12/18)
10 AM

Graveside Service
Monday (12/18)
10:45 AM

Ocean View Cemetery
3315 Amboy Road
Staten Island, NY 10306