Vernon Business and Community Icon Peter Olson Dies At 80

VERNON, CT — Peter Olson, a pillar of the Vernon business community for many years as the owner of the Ladd & Hall furniture store and a leader n the community over several sectors, has died at the age of 80.

According to his obituary posted by Pietras Family Funeral Homes, he died on Monday.

"Peter Olson is a big part of Vernon's history and will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and commitment to to his family, his community and his business," Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said.

Olson was born in 1940 in Norwalk, but made his name as a businessman in the Rockville section of Vernon.

Ladd & Hall had ben the backbone of Downtown Rockville commerce since 1937 and Olson ran the store for more than 50 years. The sole closed after Olson announced his retirement last fall.

Vernon Economic Development Director Shaun Gately praised the Olson family at the time.

"Ladd & Hall has been a staple in the Vernon business community for so many years and we're grateful to have had them for so long," he said at the time. "Furniture is tough tough brick-and-mortar business to business to be in right now and the fact that Ladd & Hal has been around so long is a testament to the quality of the people and product."

The Rockville Downtown Association echoed those sentiments last fall.

Ladd & Hall has been a staple in our community for 83 years. "The Olson Family over the years has given to many charitable organizations, severed on local committees and boards. Thank you for all you have done over the years for Rockville/Vernon."

Olson served on the Vernon Town Council and chaired the Housing Authority. He was also a corporator for Eastern Connecticut Health Network and served on its board of directors for 32 years.

He served one term as the chairman of the Savings Bank of Rockville.

Olson was also known for his love of the outdoors, whether it was cutting wood, riding or just taking care of his horses. He was a member of the Reddington Rock Riding Club for many years.

Calling hours have been set for 4 to 7 p.m. on March 26 at the Burke Fortin Funeral Home.

Burial will be private at Grove Hill Cemetery in Vernon.

See the full obituary here.