William 'Bill' J. Olson

STERLING - William J. Olson, 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at Sterling Village, following a courageous battle with cancer.  He was born in Worcester, son of the late Philip G. and Helen (Pond) Olson. Bill grew up in the neighborhoods of Lincoln St. and Burncoat St. in Worcester spending many days at Slattery’s Spa.  He graduated from North High School, where he was a varsity baseball and hockey player. Bill then attended UMass–Amherst and proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard.  He worked for 20 years at his family's business, Brady-Flaherty Ink Company on Grafton St., Worcester until it was purchased by a larger company, Gotham Ink of New England based in Marlborough. Bill stayed on with the new company as plant manager, eventually working his way to president and CEO before retiring. Sports were always important to Bill. He continued to play organized hockey well into his 40’s and was there to support his four sons in their sport endeavors. He established friendships during his involvement in sports. Many of those friendships continued throughout his life. He loved coaching baseball and left a strong impact on those he coached.  Later he continued his involvement through board memberships with Sterling Little League, the Leominster Babe Ruth League and Wachusett Booster Club.  He enjoyed following Boston sports teams, especially the Patriots, Red Sox and Bruins. Family gatherings were also special times for Bill.  He loved entertaining his family at their vacation home in South Yarmouth where many memories were created on the shores of Cape Cod. He also loved to travel with his wife Patti. They spent many winters in Naples, Florida as well as traveling extensively throughout the United States and Europe, especially enjoying their time in Italy, Ireland and an Alaskan Cruise. Bill will forever be missed by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 51 years, Patricia A. (Flaherty) Olson; his four sons, Michael A. Olson and his wife, Sandra of Sterling, Matthew W. Olson and his wife, Noreen of Townsend, Kevin J. Olson and his wife, Sharon of Douglas and David P. Olson of Holden and his companion, Cara deHollan, his brother, Gerald Olson and his wife Priscilla of Brookfield. He was the proud Papa of eight cherished grandchildren, Alyssa and Jill Olson, Matthew, Teehan and Mark McGinness, Brady Olson, along with Zachary and Jacob Olson and their mother, Andrea Olson. The family is forever grateful to the entire care team at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center for their loving care and support of Bill and the entire family during his two and a half year journey. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bill’s family on Monday, January 16, from 4-7 p.m. at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road (Rte. 12), Sterling. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 17, with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge Street, Sterling. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Clinton Road (Rte. 62), Sterling. In lieu of flowers, please honor Bill’s memory with a donation the MGH Cancer Center http://www.massgeneral.org/cancer/support/ , c/o Development Office, 125 Nashua St., Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114. To share a memory or leave an online condolence for the family, please "sign the guest book" on this page.