Peter Byrne Olson, of Fayetteville, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Dec. 2, 2023.
He was born in Syracuse on Dec.12, 1930, to Axel Olson and Madeleine Byrne Olson.
Peter was a graduate of Canterbury School and the University of Rochester where he studied history and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. After graduation he worked for his father in the Axel Olson Co. and at the New York Telephone Co. then found his true career in real estate. In 1964 with his fellow real estate broker, Muriel Peck, he founded Olson-Peck Inc. He enjoyed and respected his colleagues and clients and became friends with many. He also served on the board of directors of the Greater Syracuse Board of Realtors.
Peter cared deeply for his community. He was president of the Lions’ Club and served two terms on the Fayetteville-Manlius Board of Education. He was a member and chairman of the Fayetteville Zoning Board of Appeals for over 40 years. Sometimes his volunteer work coincided with his interests, as when he served on the Syracuse Opera Board. He applied his knowledge and interest in houses and history when he served on the Board of the Friends of Lorenzo, the historic house in the village of Cazenovia.
Peter was a loyal and active member of his church, Immaculate Conception in Fayetteville. He served on the Parish Council, the finance committee and was co-chair of the organ restoration committee. In 2017 he received the Immaculata Award, given by the Diocese of Syracuse and presented by the bishop. This award is given to individuals who have generously shared their time in service to their parish.
Peter enjoyed spending time outdoors. Come spring and summer, he could often be seen tending his gardens or in the side yard carefully clipping the yew in his annual quest for the perfectly trimmed hedge!
Peter loved music and read widely in American and English history. But nothing gave him greater pleasure than to be surrounded by his family and friends in his own home – a home he loved and had lived in since childhood.
Peter was kind and good. He will be dearly missed by those who loved him.
Peter was predeceased by his brother, Eric and his sister, Sister Karen Olson, RSCJ.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann (Martin) Olson of Fayetteville; a son, Sven (Sheenal), daughter, Katrin, and son, Gunnar (Tonya); grandchildren, Gavin and Ian Olson, and Nandini and Axel Olson; as well as seven nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be at Immaculate Conception Church, 400 Salt Springs St., Fayetteville, on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 4-7 p.m.
A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 10:30 a.m., also at Immaculate Conception Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, 400 Salt Springs St., Fayetteville, NY 13066
For guest book, please visit scheppfamily.com.
