Obituary of Gordon Maxson Olson

Olean – Gordon Maxson Olson "Loving Husband, Father and Grandfather" Gordon Maxson Olson, of 161 South 25th Street, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at Olean General Hospital, following a brief illness. Gordon was born March 31, 1929 in Titusville, Pennsylvania and was the son of Albert George and Hazel Evelyn Maxson Olson. On July 3, 1954, he married his wife of 66 years, Mary Ellen Wetzel, who predeceased him on December 25, 2020. Gordon was a Disabled Combat Veteran of the Korean War, where he served from October 16, 1950 to September 24, 1952; a Life Member of American Legion Post 530, Shinglehouse, PA and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Gordon was a graduate of Shinglehouse High School, and graduated in 1957 from Williamsport, PA Technical Institute with a Degree as a Toolmaker. In May 1967 he graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a BS in Education, majoring in Vocational Education; continuing at this institution to receive a Master’s Degree in Education in May 1978. He took great pride in his students especially those who went on to tool making or machining careers. Gordon was employed as a Tool & Die Maker at Dresser Industries, Clair Manufacturing, Crest Tool & Machine, and Keystone Tool & Die; as an Instructor in the New York State Apprentice Program; and an Instructor, Industrial Machining for the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) where he retired in 1988 after 23 years in education. Gordon was a member of the Olean First Baptist Church. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed bowling, card games, horse shoes, woodworking, photography, billiards, basketball (especially the St. Bonaventure Bonnies), square dancing as a member of the Enchanted Mountaineers Square Dance Club, and wintering in Florida after his retirement. He always enjoyed a good meal and especially loved fried oysters and homemade pies (except chocolate). Gordon is survived by his children: Penny S. (James) Sorokes of Olean and Robert J. Olson and a special friend Cindi Sellers of Portland, TN; four grandchildren: Megan E. (Jason) Sorokes Sneed of Davidson, NC, Daniel J. (Ariane) Sorokes of Rochester NY, Kelli M. Sorokes Heiler of Rochester, NY and Cole T. Olson of Anchorage, Alaska; an adopted granddaughter, Dominique J. (John) Olson Lassiter of Suffolk, VA; a step-grandson, Arick Robert (Felicia) Grim of Halliday, ND; six great-grandchildren, Owen Heiler, Bryson and Kinsley Lassiter, and Anastasia, Faustina, and Willow Grim. Along with his loving wife, Gordon was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Harold Olson and Hazen Olson. A Memorial Service will be held at the Olean First Baptist Church, on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 11:00 am. The Rev. Jason Hladik, the Rev. Millard Cook, and the Rev. Dan McDowell will co-officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 East State Street, Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the First Baptist Church of Olean, 133 S. Union St., Olean, NY 14760 or the American Legion Post 530 of Shinglehouse, PA, 1364 SR 44, Shinglehouse, PA 16748