Lawrence N. Olden ’69

We have learned belatedly of the death of Larry Olden, who died June 30, 2025, at Westchester Medical Center in Hawthorne, N.Y. 

Larry was born in Camden, N.J., but moved with his family to Phoenix, Ariz., where he graduated from Arcadia High School. At Princeton, Larry majored in French. During our undergraduate years, classmate Mike Cone introduced Larry to classical music, and it became a treasured pastime. With Mike’s encouragement, Larry taught himself piano so that he could play his favorite pieces, and he even tried his hand at composing. 

Following Princeton, Larry earned a master’s degree in French literature at Brown, and his Ph.D. studies were interrupted by the Vietnam draft. Larry proudly served his country in the Army as an adjutant. After his honorable discharge and a variety of jobs, Larry taught himself mechanical engineering. He retired after a long career with API in Tempe, Ariz. Larry was a talented bridge player, a gifted poet, a lover of classical music, and a lifelong learner.  

Larry is survived by his life partner, Charlene Hirschberg; siblings Robert, Katherine Eichberger, and David; one niece; and six nephews, and several great-nieces and nephews. The class extends its sincere sympathy to all of Larry’s family.