James Dominic Oliver, 84, Prince Frederick

Friday, Nov. 20, 2009

James Dominic Oliver, 84, of Prince Frederick, formerly of Warminster, Pa., died Oct. 30, 2009, at his home.

Born April 3, 1925, in Pittston, Pa., he was the son of Alphonso and Anunziata (Ciampi) Oliviero.

He graduated from Pittston High School at 16, having started kindergarten at 4. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was based in Guam. After his discharge, he enrolled at the University of Scranton, transferred to Lehigh University and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering in 1950.

He married Charlotte J. Wetzel in 1952. In 1955, they moved to Warminster and raised three children together. He began his career at Fisher and Porter in Warminster, working on flow control meters. His career continued with General Electric in the Philadelphia area, where he worked on multiple programs including an environmental chamber used for space vehicle testing and earth re-entry vehicles. He finished his career as a civilian employee of the Navy at the Naval Air Development Center in Warminster, retiring in December 1988.

He was active with the Boy Scouts for more than 20 years, holding leadership positions at both the troop and district level, which earned him the District Award of Merit. He was also active in the Pennsylvania Canal Society, serving on the board of directors for many years. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, golfing, woodcarving and gardening.

In 2001, he and his wife moved to an apartment attached to their daughter's home in Prince Frederick.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Marino, Patrick and Victor Oliver.

He is survived by his son, James D. Oliver Jr. and wife, Joann, of Millersville; his son, David C. Oliver and wife, Constance, of Great Mills; his daughter, Terese D. Wells and husband, Daniel, of Prince Frederick; his grandchildren, Paul J. Oliver of Raleigh, N.C., Marie E. Oliver and Michael J. Oliver of Millersville and Rebecca E. and Andrew W. Wells of Prince Frederick; his brother, Carl Oliver of Laurel; and his sister, Theresa Chiavacci of Pittston.

The family received friends and a memorial service was held Nov 4 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Prince Frederick.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area Chapter, 3701 Pender Drive, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Arrangements were handled by Rausch Funeral Home.