Obituary of Herbert D. Olsen

Herbert D. Olsen, 76, of East Windsor, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at his residence in East Windsor.

Born in Jersey City, Herb was raised in East Brunswick from the age of 5. He graduated from East Brunswick High School with the Class of 1965. This is where he met his future wife, Naomi Martin. They married in 1969. Herb received his bachelor’s degree from Murray State College, Kentucky in 1969. He held so many jobs while at school he was awarded a scholarship for his master’s degree at the University of Kentucky, receiving his degree in Education of the Socially and Emotionally Maladjusted.  Herb returned to New Jersey in 1969 and began teaching at the alternative in New Brunswick, NJ known as “The New Street School”. In 1978 he transferred to North Brunswick Township High School where he was a special education teacher/administrator. Herb worked there until his retirement in 2009 after 30 years of dedicated service to the school.

Always a dedicated student advocate, Herb developed the former S.H.O.T (Students Helping Overcome Tensions) Program and was known for his conflict resolution skills and peer mediation programs.  Herb also participated in the writing of a books to guide peer mediation and conflict resolution for elementary and middle school educators.

Over the years, many former students would stop by his home to say “Hi” and thank Herb for saving them! He would shed tears of joy! They all loved “Mr. Olsen”!  He will be missed by many!

Herb loved living on his farm in East Windsor. He, his wife, Naomi, and family refurbished the old homestead on the farm and loved raising their children there.  In years past they had gardens, flowers and a farm market where Herb loved greeting and chatting with customers.  In more recent years, Herb loved spending time in the yard, tending to his farm, cutting firewood, feeding birds on the property and watching the large fish in his pond.

Herb’s kind friendly way was magnetic. He loved chatting with people and made friends everywhere he went. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

Predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Grace Olsen, and his brother, Gary Olsen; Herb is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Naomi E. (Martin) Olsen; his children and their spouses, Jason S. and Maria Olsen of Langhorne, PA and Kara A. and Ronald Niebo of Crosswicks, NJ; his grandchildren, Emma, Trevor, Juliette, Sara, and Haleigh; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Lynn and Yan Troizier of Hightstown, and Nancy and Fred Schwerer of Hamilton; and his nieces, nephews and their families.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 19, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Services at Glackin Chapel, 136 Morrison Ave., Hightstown, NJ. 

Interment will follow at the East Windsor Cemetery in East Windsor.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Services at Glackin Chapel, 136 Morrison Ave., Hightstown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Herb’s memory to Tunnel 2 Towers via https://t2t.org.