Obituary of Kenneth Michael Olson

WESTPORT, CONN

Kenneth Michael Olson, z'l (גדליה משה בן זליג מאיר הכהן), a real estate developer whose core beliefs embraced the development of quality, affordable and mixed income housing, died Sunday, November 12, 2017 in his home in Westport. He was 58.

Olson was president and CEO of Port Chester, New York-based POKO Partners, LLC, which he founded in 1995. It develops, builds and manages residential, retail and commercial properties throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut inner-city communities.

Prior to founding POKO Partners, he was the senior vice president of GTE Realty Company, a firm developed from a resulting debt restructure he led as director of finance for the Markham Company.

He began his career in 1981 with Bank Leumi in commercial construction lending.

He assisted with the creation of the Connecticut Historic Tax Credit legislation that was passed in 2006, was a member of the Governor’s Advisory Panel on Affordable Housing in Connecticut, and board member of the Connecticut Real Estate Finance Association as well as the executive committee of the New York State Association for Affordable Housing.

In 2009, he and wife Pam were honored with the Anti-Defamation League’s 2009 Distinguished Community Leadership Award at Westport’s Temple Israel.

Active in community affairs, he was a past president and board member of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra.

Survivors include his wife Pam and children Jordan and Spencer.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017 at 1 p.m. at Temple Israel, 14 Coleytown Road.

Interment will follow here in Willowbrook Cemetery at approximately 2:30PM

Shiva will be observed at the Olson home, located at 79 Easton Rd, Westport with the schedule provided.

Shiva Schedule:

Tuesday, November 13, 2017 (after interment) until 9:00PM.

Wednesday, November 14, 2017 -  12-5PM, 7-9PM

Thursday, November 15, 2017 -  12-5PM, 7-9PM

Friday, November 16, 2017 - 11AM-1PM

Saturday, November 17, 2017 -  7-9PM

Sunday, November 18, 2017 -  12-5PM, 7-9PM

Minyan times:

Tues, Wed, Thursday, Sat and Sunday at 7:30PM

The Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, of Shippan Point, Stamford is directing the arrangements.