JOSEPH J. OLIVERA

August12, 1916 - November 27, 2010

Joseph J. Olivera age 94 was called to be with the Lord Saturday the 27th of November 2010. His is survived by his wife of 74-years Louise, son Raymond, Daughter Barbara Campi, four grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

He and Louise were married in 1936 and lived in San Jose for several years until his father died and he had to return to El Nido to help with the family dairy farm.

He later purchased a milk truck and hauled cans of milk from the local dairies to the Danish Creamery in Chowchilla. He and Louise loved to dance. She regularly drove their car to the Creamery on Saturday nights with a change of clothes for Joe so they could continue on to Fresno to dance. Their favorite place was the Rainbow Ball Room and their favorite band was directed by Harry James. They also enjoyed Johnny Cash and Buck Owens at the Red Barn in Fresno. They did some square dancing for a time too.

Joe retired from the City of Merced. He and Louise did a lot of traveling after that. He had been enjoying pool playing at the Merced Senior Community Center for several years. Joe was the oldest member of the Eagle's Auxiliary of Merced. They both have been living at Park Merced a few months before his death. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 6, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with a recitation of the Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.