Lawrence Anthony Oliveri Obituary
Lawrence Anthony Oliveri, beloved husband of Janet (Manna) Oliveri, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 6, 2024. He was born on March 14, 1935 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Joseph and Anna (Cosenza) Oliveri. Larry was predeceased by his siblings, Vincent (Rose), Vincenza and Joseph, son-in-law Frank Rende, and Ugo Romiti.
Larry was a great athlete, excelling at basketball at Sewanhaka High. It was there where he met Janet, and they proceeded to share their love and life for more than 70 years. Theirs is a true love story if there ever was one. After high school, Larry joined the Army and was primarily stationed in Germany. Larry served our country with great pride, achieving the rank of acting Sergeant prior to his discharge. Upon his return to the States, he and Janet were married, and they settled in Connecticut to start their family. Larry's passion to see the world, which began in the Army, became the foundation for his long and successful career in the travel industry.
Larry continued his athleticism as a young father, playing basketball at their parish, and honing his golfing skills at Oak Hills. In his youth, Larry caddied at many courses on Long Island including Garden City Country Club and Bethpage. His love for golf was exceeded only by his love for Janet and his family. Larry was active in the community, volunteering at St. Josephs as well as being an active member of SKAL and the Rotary Club. As their girls grew older, he and Janet were able to provide them with amazing adventures, traveling the world on land and sea.
Larry was a wonderful husband and father. And he excelled as a grandfather. "Papa" shared so many wonderful experiences with his children and grandchildren, from summers at Ascension, trips to Woodstock, cheering for the Yankees, hours in the backyard or on the golf course. He opened their world to new places and new experiences. As our biggest fan, he always encouraged all of us from the sidelines and for his "girls" growing up he showed his love and support with a heartfelt "Atta boy, girl".
Upon retirement, Larry shifted his attention from helping folks travel the world, to helping folks who couldn't. As a long-time volunteer at Norwalk Hospital, Larry brought joy and laughter to those who needed it most. All who met him, either as patients, co-volunteers, or staff, would instantly see the goodness and kindness in his heart.
In his later years, Larry continued to play golf, and played it very well. While he was proud of his own accomplishments (winning the Flight championship one year), he was more proud of his children and grandchildren's accomplishments.
Larry's goodness and kind soul were unmatched. He was truly and will always be a gentleman and the gentlest of men.
In addition to his wife Janet, Larry leaves behind his three daughters: Diane Rende, Brenda Oliveri and Susan (Greg) Gilson. He also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren: Julia Rende, Caroline Rende, Trevor Gilson, Lindsey (John-Lucas) Duffy and Conner Gilson, as well as his sister-in-law, Lydia.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, 10:30 am at St. Thomas More Church, 374 Middlesex Road, Darien, CT with military honors to follow after church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Tunnel to Towers at t2t.org.
