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John Olivieri Obituary
AGE: 75 • Voorhees & Ocean City
John left us suddenly on November 6, 2012. The loving husband for 52 years of Patricia (nee Slugg) Olivieri. Loving son of the late Jerry and Rose (nee D'Amico) Olivieri. Beloved father of John Jr. of Voorhees, Michael and his wife Alicia of Marlton and Gary of Birmingham, Alabama. Proud grandfather of Kristen and Michael, Jr.
John was born on January 21, 1937. Graduated Camden Catholic HS Class of 1955. Joined national guard and discovered his love for cooking while working in the mess hall. Opened an Italian delicatessen in Fairview Camden in 1958 called Venice Specialty Shop. He relocated to Somerdale NJ in 1965 where he discovered his passion for catering. He opened Venice Catering also in Somerdale, NJ, where he specialized in off site catering. He quickly transformed the off site catering industry with his elaborate food displays and attention to detail. The dream of building his own facility came true in 1977. He was joined by Richard Campbell and together they opened Venice Plaza, an upscale banquet facility located on Cross Keys Road in Berlin, NJ. John was later joined by his three son's and together they have continued a tradition of excellence in catering. John was a catering pioneer who was one of the first in the area to establish an upscale free standing banquet facility. His determination for excellence and demand for quality made Venice an industry leader in South Jersey. John opened the Venice Lounge in 1981 and quickly transformed it into a full service restaurant in 1986, called The Gourmet Room. The Gourmet Room complimented the banquet business by featuring tuxedoed servers, piano music, dancing and fine dining which was unique to South Jersey. John's true love was spending summers in Ocean City, NJ where he played horseshoes with family and friends. He also enjoyed family dinners and Eastern HS football games. He was a member of Lions Club, Knights of Columbus (3rd degree), Knights of St. George and served his community as a member of the Voorhees Twp School Board.
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend his viewing and visitation with the family Sunday evening from 5-9pm and Monday morning from 9-10am at EUGENE J. ZALE FUNERAL HOME, INC 712 NO. WHITE HORSE PIKE STRATFORD, NJ PH 856-783-5100
Funeral Mass to follow at St. Andrew the Apostle Church 27 Kresson-Gibbsboro Rd. Gibbsboro, NJ. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery Berlin, NJ. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Assoc. 1 Union St. Suite 301 Robbinsville, NJ 08691.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Olivieri
Bill Bradley
November 22, 2012
I had the opportunity to be a vendor for John, Rich, and Mike. He was warm, tough and fair to work with.
Venice Plaza and the Gouemet Room will always have a special place in my memories.
John will be missed.
God's speed.
November 18, 2012
John "O"
is one of the true success stories of the many from the class of '55 coupled with a person of dignity and caring made his success ever more so -always sad to see a classmate leave us - don casey
Joseph Kojis
November 16, 2012
Gary, I just received the sad news about your father. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take comfort in the many memories of a life well lived and the good times you shared. With deepest sympathy--Joseph A. Kojis
Margaret Yeager
November 14, 2012
Dear Pat, sorry to read of your husband's passing, especially after 52 years of a beautiful marriage. On behalf of the "Yorkship Girls", I extend our heartfelt sympathies.
From Geri, Barbara D., Margie, Barbara H., Elaine, Lillian, and Margaret.
November 12, 2012
pat and family, carol and i were so sorry to hear of the loss of john,our deepest sympathy, john was one of good guys and he will surely be missed, Chief Dan Dwier & family
Richard Pawluczyk
November 12, 2012
Pat and Family,Sorry to hear of the passing of John. I will always remember the good times I had working for him.
Peggy Armano
November 11, 2012
My wedding reception was at the Venice in 1986....even though our marriage did not last I have always told everyone that the wedding was the best day of our marriage. Thank you for making that day so special and may you be rewarded in heaven for all the happiness you brought to so many people such as myself over they years. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during the coming days, months and years during their time of grief.
November 11, 2012
Pat and Family,
We were so very sad to hear of John's passing from our father, Joe. We will always remember John's great laughter and gentle ways and most thankful for his friendship to our father over the years. From our parent's 25th Anniversary Party, various gourmet dinners, New Year's Eve galas and all of our lovely weddings, we will be forever grateful to have had John preside over each of these events with fond memories. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Judy Costanzo-Cochrane and Family
Ron Angemi
November 11, 2012
Dear Pat & Boys, So sorry to hear the news of John's passing. I have many fond memories being his first employee back in Camden, & working with Rosé & Jerry. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing the many lives he touched in positive ways, and was always there to help others. God Bless
Ron & Ruth Angemi, Sarasota Florida
Bob & Lorraine DeNinno
November 11, 2012
Dear Pat, Michael, John, & Gary: We would like to express our deepest sympathy to all of you for this shocking loss of John. Bob has known John all the way back to the Camden days,and he always enjoyed his sense of humor, and friendship. We want you to know Pat if we can ever be of any help to you, please do not hesitate to call. We will always remember his gentle smile.
Donna Roth Lokan
November 9, 2012
I speak for the Roth Family, former next door neighbors and longtime friends. We too, have many fond memories, and it saddens us to know Mr Oliveri has passed on. I am sure he and Ken (who just passed on 10-31) are sliding down the pool sliding board in heaven...(do any of you remember Mr. Slugg carrying my Dad back home, broken pelvis??) Heartfelt sympathy to ALL of you!
November 9, 2012
John was a dear friend of mine. Not only did we go to Camden catholic together but both lived in Fairview where he had his lunch meat store. When John and rich opened Venice plaza I was not only thrilled to be able to use his facility as often as I could but it was the utmost of class. He made my 50 th anniversary party not only memorable for me but for my entire family. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family especially Michael and his dear friend Richard Campbell. He will be sadly missed by my entire family. Angie Brooks and children
Edmund Ragone
November 9, 2012
To the Olivieri family,
It is with great sadness in my heart that I offer you my condolences for your loss of John. He was and always will be repected for his love for his family and friends, and I will always remember his kindness to my family.
May God bless you all during your time of grief.
Phil D'Amico
November 9, 2012
Pat, Johnny, Mike,and Gary I'm sorry to the loss of your father and husband. I remember all the good times we had at the store in Somerdale. May God Bless all of you during sad time.
November 9, 2012
Pat, Johnny, mike and Gary, John and I were shocked and sorrowful when we heard about the loss of your husband/father. We know your family was so close and he will be missed tremendously. We will keep you in our prayers and hope The Lord will comfort you. He was a special person and will be missed by all. With loving thoughts, pat and John cafagna.
November 9, 2012
Pat, Bob and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Roberta Merenda
Bob Giandonato
November 9, 2012
Pat
Grace and I are so sorry for your loss and send our love and prayers to you and your family. I miss you guys and will always remember the great times we had at the Venice and the Gourmet room.
Love you all
Bob & Grace
Loret McClain
November 9, 2012
Dear Pat, Johnny, Mike, and Gary, I was so saddened to hear of the sudden loss of your father and husband John. I remember John happiest when his entire family sat around a table and ate together. Mr. Olivieri introduced me to endless fine foods beginning with lobster. Dinners at the Olivieri home were always an adventure with kitchen chaos and family chatter. I can still hear him humming Julio Iglesias songs as he greeted everyone who entered the lounge. It was an honor to know him and share a meal. John will live on in all of our hearts as a true hospitality legend. May God Bless all of you during this very difficult time.
Sandy Snyder
November 9, 2012
To the Oliveri family,
I was shocked and saddened to read of the passing of your husband and father. My the wonderful times you shared live in your hearts forever.
Barbara & Richard Cedrone
November 8, 2012
Pat
We will forever remember all the good times we had with you & John. Especially the fun times we had living in Somerdale & later Alluvium. The many, many good memories will forever be in our hearts. We go back a long time & there are lots of memories to cherish. We will never forget John.
Love you,
Barbara & Richard
eleanor MacDpnald (Palese)
November 8, 2012
Dear Pat:I remember the good times we all had, you will always be in my heart, John will be missed by all of us.
Lori McKeage
November 8, 2012
Our hearts and prayers are with the family as they bear this heavy loss. I have very fond memories of Mr. Olivieri with his warm smiling face to greet us in the "Lounge" and as the ever present host at our wedding. As a father he could also be one of the "fellas" and share in the laughs. Although he will be sadly missed, there is comfort in knowing that he is in a better place. We wish you peace Mr. O. and love and comfort to the family.
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