Eric John Oleson

Eric John Oleson, October 6, 1949 - July 31, 2023. He grew up in Hillsdale, NJ, went to Saddle River Country Day School and Pascack Valley HS and then to Union College in Schenectady, NY.

Having a lovely singing voice, Eric was in the church and school choirs. He studied literature, wrote poetry, and wore a shirt with the message “I’m

fluent in song lyrics.” The lyrics had great meaning to him. He often felt he

wasn’t good with words in social situations.

Indeed, his talent was communicating through song lyrics. One of the final songs he listened to was James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain.” So many poignant lines there, but one stands out; “I always thought that I’d see you again.”

Eric’s first job was apple picking in Northern NJ. He held various other jobs but preferred doing his own work; he made bread, made quick-point rugs, painted fences, and built a kayak. He helped renovate and run the farmhouse on Little Skyline Drive in Orange, where he moved in 1980. He lived in Orange ever since, moving to his beloved apartment on Belleview Ave. in 2004. He had many friends at Belleview and would visit when some moved to assisted living.

Eric had a deep appreciation for nature, for the sun, for birdsong, and for the crepe myrtle in the courtyard. He was an advocate of deep breathing and peace, both inner peace and world peace. He was extremely kindhearted and loyal to friends old and new.

He is predeceased by his mother Geneva Oleson and father Prince Oleson. He leaves behind two sisters Dr. Catherine Ringen, Eau Claire, WI, and Dr. Joanna Oleson, Riverdale, NY, a brother-in-law Dr. Jon Ringen, a niece Whitney Ringen Alpakut and her husband Mehmet Alpakut, Maple Grove, MN, and a nephew Kai Ringen, North Liberty, IA. Eric will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

A memorial service will be held at 2PM August 24, 2023 at St Thomas Episcopal Church in Orange, VA.