JAMES OLIVIERI Obituary

Olivieri, James Of Lincoln, MA & formerly Somerville, MA, passed away peacefully of natural causes on 26th of July, 2014 at the Taunton Nursing home, together again with his deceased wife and childhood sweet heart, Dorothy. Mr. Olivieri was a World War II 4th Division U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who served in the Pacific theatre from 1944 until 1947. James served in the 4th Marine division as a radio man, participated in four major amphibious assaults, in the battles of Kwajalein (Roi-Namur), Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. Surviving more than 17,000 casualties he returned home and to eventually earn a degree from North Eastern University and serving as chief of police in Cambridge, MA for MIT. James raised a family in Somerville, MA and Lincoln, MA, leaving daughter, Rosemarie White, sons, James Olivieri Jr. and Rick Olivieri. Jim leaves sisters, Julia C. McLellan, Kay Rego, and brothers, John Olivieri and Francis Olivieri who gave his life during the war, and the late Charlie Westcott. James leaves five grand & five great grandchildren. James donated many years to and was proud to be a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #2204 in Lexington, MA. Jim wished that instead of a formal wake, remembrance donations be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project. Jim's remains will be interred at the Lincoln Mass Cemetery with his beloved departed wife, Dorothy, at a later date. A remembrance ceremony will be held by the family at a later date.

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Published by Boston Globe from Jul. 26 to Jul. 27, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES OLIVIERI

8 Entries

Daniel Klein

December 30, 2024

I was an undergrad at MIT, graduating in 1976. Due to an undergraduate hacking exploit that will go unelaborated here, I was summoned to his office during my sophomore year. The Chief chatted with me and gently warned me to "take it easy". Good advise which I took. That was exactly 50 years ago. Chief Olivieri really cared about the students under his watch and was universally respected on campus.

Thanks, Chief!

July 30, 2014

Very sorry to hear about Jim's passing. The campus law enforcement profession has seen many advancements due in great part to Jim's vision and example. Always willing to share and guide, reminding us of the importance of best practices and learning from the experiences of fellow chiefs and directors. We have all benefited from Jim's leadership. Rest in peace.
John M King
Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police
Boston College

BILL SMITH

July 29, 2014

CHIEF, YOU GAVE ME MY START IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AT MIT AND BELIEVED IN ME AND I TOLD YOU I WOULD NEVER MAKE YOU SORRY FOR THE BREAK YOU GAVE ME. WELL I'M GOING TO RETIRE AFTER 42 YEARS WITH THE MIT POLICE IN MARCH AND CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH. REST IN PEACE

Rick Olivieri

July 29, 2014

A memorial remembrance celebration will be held for Jim at the Lexington Lodge of Elks at 959 Waltham St, Lexington, Ma on September 10th from 5-8 pm

Rick Olivieri

July 29, 2014

A memorial and remembrance celebration will be held for Jim at the Lexington Lodge of Elks, 959 Waltham Street, Lexington, Ma on September 10th from 5-8 pm.

James Ferrier

July 29, 2014

I was saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I met Jim in 1975 shortly after being appointed the Deputy Police Chief at Northeastern University and had the pleasure to have a close working relationship with him until his retirement. Jim was one of the two or three campus police chiefs who were instrumental in founding the Massachusetts Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators during the mid-1970's and played a leadership role in the association until his retirement. He became known as the father of Massachusetts campus law enforcement and set the standard for his colleagues as far as sharing successful programs for crime prevention and investigation on campus. He also placed a very high emphasis on the need for better training for officers, supervisors and other chiefs. His influence has continued to inspire a generation of campus law enforcement leaders and his legacy will continue each time the association he helped found confers the award named in his honor to a campus police chief who has displayed the professionalism he exemplified.

July 27, 2014

So sorry to hear of the loss of a true professional, colleague and friend. May you rest in peace.

Joe Griffin
Director of Public Safety - Emeritus
Northeastern Universiity

July 27, 2014

So sorry to hear about our very good friend, Jim, of many years. At least we know he once again will be with Dottie.
Charlie & Fay English

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