It is with heavy hearts but peaceful minds that we announce the passing of David Martin Olivera, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. David was born in Ventura on October 23, 1932 and passed peacefully at home on December 24, 2018; he was 86.
David was one of 12 siblings brought to the union of Louis Arabell Olivera and Minnie Fuentes Olivera. David was proud to be a sixth generation, California native, of Santa Barbara and Ventura, California.
David started his military service with the U.S. Navy July 1951, in San Diego, California during the Korean War. He was stationed February 1952 in Subic Bay, Philippines; May 1952 - May 1954 in Yokosuka, Japan, and July 1954 in Pearl Harbor, Oahu. David was very proud to serve his country and spend part of his time on the same ship as his brother Jack Olivera. He often shared many memories of his time in the U.S.Navy and was so happy to be able to return for a visit to Pearl Harbor. Upon his discharge from the U.S. Navy, David began his career as a meat cutter for Local 556. In 1993, after 38 years, David earned a well-deserved retirement.
On May 25, 1955, David married the love of his life, Dolores Olivera; their love was one for the record book, sharing 60 years of marriage. They proved that love, a strong partnership, and deep faith can help you make it through the happy, difficult, and sorrowful times life brings your way. David and Dolores enjoyed their retirement years traveling in their motor home. David was a diehard San Francisco Giants fan, recruiting four generations into the fan base. He spent many evenings with his daughter, Rhonda, cheering on their beloved San Francisco Giants.
David was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores; his sons: Ralph and David; and his granddaughter, Angela. David is survived by his sons: Rob Olivera (wife Naomi) and Richard Olivera; his daughter, Rhonda Sherk; his grandchildren: Troy, Chad, and Evan Olivera, Sierra and Breanna Olivera, Miranda, Kiriana, and Melia Sherk, Caitlin, Sonny Michael, and David Cody Olivera; as well as nine great-grandchildren. David will be greatly missed by his rescue dog Rose.
The family would like to thank Sharonne Thornton, David's caregiver for her many months of dedicated caring and companionship. Her being there gave our family great peace of mind, knowing he was in good hands with someone who cared so much about"Papa."
Family and friends are invited to visiting hours from 2:00 to 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2019 in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 East Main Street, Ventura. A Most Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:00am on Friday, January 4, 2019 in Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, 3175 Telegraph Road, Ventura, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30. Interment will immediately follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.