Obituary of Oliver N. Simonsen

Mr. Oliver "Ollie" N. Simonsen, 82, of Lafayette Street, Palatine Bridge, New York died Sunday, August 2, 2015 at Little Falls Hospital. Born on April 11, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY, and raised on Staten Island attending local schools, he was the son of Oliver N. Simonsen, Sr. and Ingeborg Eriksen Simonsen. He received his Bachelor's Degree from SUNY Oswego and his Master's Degree from Columbia University. Mr. Simonsen had been a resident of Palatine Bridge since 1963. He began his education career in New Hartford, NY where he previously student-taught during college then advanced to Principal. It was there that he met his wife Virginia at a gathering of new teachers. In 1963, Mr. Simonsen became Principal at Canajoharie Central School administering grades K-6, adding grades 7-8, until his retirement in 1988. Ollie was a longtime member of the Reformed Church of Canajoharie and previously served on its consistory. A dedicated community servant and volunteer, Ollie was an original member of the Mid-County Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and the National Ski Patrol for over 20 years, serving as a patrol leader. A strong advocate for children's mental health, he became an original member of the Community Services Board, Amsterdam. Ollie served 3 terms as President of the Fort Rensselaer Club. An avid lifelong photographer, he became a professional in his retirement and with Ginny did photography and videography for weddings and events. Some of his popular photos of the valley are on display in the U.S. Post Office, Palatine Bridge. He was a Board member and past chair of the Canajoharie Library and Art Gallery during its major expansion. On June 22, 1957 in New Hartford, NY Oliver was married to Virginia Smith. Together they celebrated over 58 years of marriage. Mr. Simonsen is survived by his wife, Virginia "Ginny" Simonsen of Palatine Bridge, NY; 3 sons, Gary and Nancy Simonsen of Madison, CT, Eric and Sherri Simonsen of Slingerlands, NY, Craig and Lisa Simonsen of Williamsburg, VA; 8 grandchildren, Kim and Ken Ickes, Erica, Brad, Oliver, Owen, Drew, Haley, and Lauren Simonsen; and great-grandson, Cameron Ickes. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at 10:00am at the Reformed Church of Canajoharie. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 from 4:00-7:00pm at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Burial will take place privately at Canajoharie Falls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mr. Oliver Simonsen may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Pine West Plaza, Bldg. 4, Suite 405 Washington Ave. Ext. Albany, NY 12205.