Karl J. Olson

Karl John Olson, 67, passed away unexpectedly due to an intracerebral hemorrhage on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Lahey Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts. His sudden passing has left family, friends, and all who knew him in profound shock and sorrow.

Born on August 24, 1957, in Malden, Massachusetts, Karl lived a vibrant, multifaceted life filled with humor, passion, and deep connections. His larger-than-life personality, quick wit, and sarcastic yet gentle humor brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. Karl’s teasing was always underpinned by a loving heart, making him a cherished presence wherever he went.

A 1975 graduate of Medford High School, Karl pursued his passion for cooking at Essex Agricultural School of Culinary Arts and later at Salem State College in 1990. His professional journey was as diverse as it was colorful, encompassing roles such as oil delivery man, heating system and HVAC installer, nightclub security, cab driver, line chef, and, ultimately, his true calling as a personal chef. Karl’s culinary career spanned banquets, restaurants, colleges, and summer camps, culminating in his work as a personal chef in clients’ homes. From grocery shopping to plating exquisite meals, he served with utmost professionalism and care. For Karl, cooking was not just a job but a heartfelt calling. He shared his creations with the world through YouTube cooking videos under the moniker “Boston Karl Cooks.”

An avid motorcycle enthusiast for over 25 years, Karl was a proud member of the Harley-Davidson Owners Group (HOG Chapter 3905). He participated in charity rides and recreational trips across New England, often sharing meals and camaraderie with his HOG buddies. A 2022 accident sadly ended his riding days, but his love for the open road remained.

Karl approached his passions with wholehearted enthusiasm. His lifelong love of fishing began in childhood with his father and continued through years of boating in Florida and casting lines at Horn Pond near his home. He enjoyed local comedy shows, had a deep appreciation for 1970s rock and 1980s pop music, and was an avid movie buff, even appearing as a background actor in the film Zookeeper starring Kevin James. In his younger days, Karl played hockey and proudly embraced the nickname “Mighty Mouse,” commemorating it with a tattoo on his arm.

Karl is lovingly remembered by his partner, Laura Testino of Woburn MA; his grandson, Yoni Arias of St. Petersburg, FLA; his sister Diane (Olson) Buonopane and her husband Pat of Peabody MA; his sister Lynne (Olson) Riley and her husband Paul of Norwood MA; his brother Warren Olson and wife Lisa of Auburn, NH; and many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. Karl was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Jessica Olson Cataldo of St. Petersburg, FLA; his parents, Warren and Marjorie (Gay) Olson of Medford MA; and his sister, Karen (Olson) McFarland of Malden MA.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at McDonald-Finnegan-Anderson Funeral Home, 322 Main Street, Stoneham, MA 02180 (781-438-0405). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a children’s charity in Karl’s name.

A private burial service will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford, where Karl will be laid to rest alongside his parents, whom he missed dearly.

May Karl’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him, inspiring laughter and warmth through the stories shared by those whose lives he touched.