ANTHONY J. OLIVER - April 21, 1959 to November 13, 2024
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the death of Anthony J. Oliver, who died on November 13, 2024. Anthony was born on April 21, 1959, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. From birth, unique experiences, adventures, and joy marked his life, shaping the person he became.
He was an entrepreneur as a young adult and ventured into different fields of business throughout his career. After a brief stint driving a taxi in the Boston area, he became a recruiter in the burgeoning tech industry in Boston. He later became an inventor of the “Oliver Shields” and for several years was in the grocery diverting business, where he achieved enormous success until embarking upon his most challenging project where he manufactured and sold his brand, “KICK”. That work brought him to call Chicago home-base for more than thirty years. His business connections led to trading consumer goods both stateside and internationally where he traveled over a million miles around the world, and achieved the esteemed Lifetime Million Miler Club status.
His time in Chicago was filled with great friends who remember him as a compassionate man of faith. If you were in need, you could depend on Anthony to help in any way he could. Generous almost to a fault, Anthony wanted to spread joy with his infectious laughter to all he knew and to those he didn’t know. He never let his success cloud his empathy for those less fortunate and would not hesitate to offer protection even at personal cost.
Anthony moved to Ventura, California in 2020, where he enjoyed a more serene and laid-back lifestyle. He looked forward to lounging on East Beach in neighboring Santa Barbara whenever possible. The move from the Gold Coast to a West Coast existence was the closing chapter of a life that was filled with adventure. It was in Ventura that Anthony forged a strong bond with his youngest sister Ronda and brother-in-law Stephen. Although their time together was brief, it was full of many joyful moments, homemade chocolate chip cookies prepared by Chef Anthony, and lifelong memories.
In retirement, he enjoyed part-time work at Fossil in Camarillo, where he relished engaging with the public and mentoring his younger colleagues. The surrounding Ventura community knew him as a gregarious figure, always looking for opportunities for acts of kindness or uplifting words to share with a friend or stranger.
He had an appreciation for architecture, the arts, and opera – a favorite venue was the Met in NYC, which he described as a magical experience. He was an accomplished pianist and the epitome of a self-made man. Anthony was the ultimate host and entertainer who enjoyed gathering with friends to indulge in food, drink, and camaraderie. He considered himself to be a connoisseur of the finer things in life, especially gourmet dining and was known for his delicious lobster rolls, shabu shabu and eggs benedict, served with champagne.
Anthony is survived by his beloved sisters Mary B. Oliver, of Houston, Texas; Elizabeth Renaud, of Plymouth, Massachusetts; Ronda Burrell of Ventura, California, along with her partner and Anthony’s brother-in-law, Stephen Bigilen; nieces Laura, Christina and Holly, nephew Anthony, cousins, and other relatives. He was born to R. Marie Farese Oliver and Bernard Joseph Oliver who preceded him in death.
Anthony was a devout believer and ardent follower of the Catholic faith. He was a spiritual person who was at peace and accepted that he would be leaving this earthly life not long after his 2024 cancer diagnosis. He would often refer to the late Billy Graham when declaring “I can’t wait to meet the Lord.”
Anthony held the utmost regard and respect for the medical professionals who treated and counseled him, namely, Dr. Samuel Grossman II, Dr. Cassandra L. Thomas, Dr. Melissa Barger and Dr. Andrew Sou; and the nurses, aides and staff at the Ventura County Medical Center. The family would like to extend its appreciation and gratitude to all who provided dignified and compassionate care to Anthony, especially during his final days.
May he rest in peace.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercies of our Lord Jesus Christ, rest in peace. Amen.”
A Mass will be held at 3:00pm on December 8, 2024 in Saint Julie's Chapel on the campus of Our Lady of The Assumption, 3175 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, CA 93003
A Celebration of Life will take place at 4pm immediately following the service at a nearby private location.