In Loving Memory of Charles Olken; September 10, 1941–October 23, 2025

Charles Olken died on October 23, 2025 surrounded by his family. Up till the end, Charlie’s wit was sharp, his spirit was strong, and his heart was huge.

Charlie was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on September 10, 1941. After attending Harvard University, he moved to California and received his MBA from Stanford University. Though he lived in the Bay Area for the remainder of his life, Charlie maintained his strong allegiance to his New England roots, as demonstrated by his love of the Red Sox and fried clams (with the bellies).

Charlie started his professional career as an urban planner at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In his forties, he turned his attention to California wine and youth soccer. He founded and published Connoisseurs Guide to California Wine, a highly regarded newsletter focused on California wine. An athlete and avid soccer fan, Charlie was a beloved and highly successful coach of both girls and boys youth soccer teams, positively impacting his players on and off the field.

Charlie was incredibly dedicated to those he loved. He is survived by his wife Therry, children Jeffrey (Cathy Verceles) and Sharon (Nancy Chetaitis), grandchildren Sydney, Marissa and Kevin, his brothers Jonathan and Richard, and his large extended family who visited annually at Thanksgiving.

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