Evor T. Olson

Evor T. Olson, 91, died peacefully at home in Wilmington on February 3, 2023, after a brief illness.

He was born in Wilmington on April 12, 1931 to Evor T. and Elsie (Uczynski) Olson.  He attended St. Paul and Brown Vocational Schools.  In his teen years he was active in sports.  He was an outstanding pitcher and was scouted by the Boston Braves.  He married Irene Y. Frati on February 3, 1951 in St. Hedwig’s RC Church. In 1952 he joined the Wilmington Fire Department where he served the City of Wilmington for 39 years.  He retired in 1991 with the rank of Battalion Chief.  

He was devoted to his family and was a faithful provider, sometimes working multiple jobs. He was the go-to person for family who knew that Pop would take care of the matter. He was a self-taught jack of all trades, capable of building, repairing, connecting, and restoring just about anything. His basement was his office and his workbench was his desk. What he lacked in formal education, he more than made up in common sense, keen instincts and strong views, expressed in his favorite song, “My Way.” He had a quick wit and a sometimes biting sense of humor. Though at times rough around the edges, he had a caring, tender heart even for those who he did not personally know like the many Children of St Jude’s Children’s Hospital to whom he contributed donations for many years.

In addition to his family, he loved sports; especially his Philadelphia Eagles. He was an encyclopedia of knowledge about the subject and stayed a loyal fan while enduring the ups and downs of all the Philadelphia teams.  He used to enjoy time with his family at his trailer home in Indian Landing where he liked boating, fishing and crabbing.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Dolores Glazik; half siblings, Anthony Zulkowski, Bruno Zulkowski, and Wanda Mullins. He was also predeceased by his daughter-in- law, MaryEllen Dowd Olson (2019); and his son, Joseph T. (2021).

In addition to his wife of 72 years, Irene, he is survived by his son, Rev. Theodore E. (Rev. Jack Anderson) of Millsboro, and his daughter Patricia A. Sarver, who was his faithful and tireless caregiver. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Dana Sarver (April), Erica Sarver, Christopher Sarver (Jackie), and Joseph E. Olson; his great-grandchildren, Cody, Donovan, Makenna, Gabriel, Payton, Jordan and Jeremiah.

He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Joanne Reynolds, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and his beloved four- legged companion, Queenie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by his cousin Rev. Joseph Piekarski at St. Hedwig’s Roman Catholic Church, Linden and Harrison Streets, Wilmington on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 10:30AM. A viewing will be held in the church from 9AM-10:30AM. Entombment will take place in Cathedral Cemetery immediately following mass.

The family is grateful to Delaware Hospice for their support.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Hedwig’s Roman Catholic Church, www.sthedwigde.org

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