Obituary of Robert Warren Olson

Robert Warren Olson of Sanford, Maine and East Hampstead, NH, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025.  He was 93 years of age.

Born and raised in Woburn, Robert always considered himself a “Woburnite.”  He was the son of the late Wilbur, and the late Signe Olson.  Bob was a proud United States Army veteran of the Korean War.  He earned his Honorable Discharge as a Corporal in 1954.

Bob was a skilled carpenter and builder.  His company, Olson Construction in Woburn was involved in the building of 25 Ninety-Nine restaurants, as well as hundreds of homes in the area.  Following his retirement, he took up building bird houses and custom canes in his workshop.  What started as a hobby, soon grew into another business.

Bob lived a wonderful life, and had many interesting stories to tell.  He loved his children, and adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Bob was an avid horse-racing fan, as well as being a stock car racing fan.  Bob often vacationed and cruised, and had a special place in his heart for Saratoga, New York.

In later years, bob loved living independently and was socially active with his friends and neighbors at the East Village Apartments in East Hampstead, NH.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his late brother, Paul A. Olson who died in 2022.  He is survived by his three daughters, Dorine Olson and her husband Steve Foley of Goffstown, NH, Jodi Bissonnette of Sanford, Maine, and Brenda Defina and her husband Vinnie of Kingston, NH; and one son, Wayne Olson and his wife Lee-Ellen of Woburn.  He is also survived by many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at the Graham Funeral Home, 3 Arlington Rd., Woburn on Wednesday, August 27 from 10:00-10:30 am, followed by a graveside service with military honors at the Woodbrook Cemetery, 100 Salem St., Woburn at 11:00 am.  Contributions in Robert’s memory may be made to a veterans organization of your choice.