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Wayne Olivio Obituary

Wayne Anthony Olivio passed away peacefully at his home on June 21, 2024. He was 78 years old. Wayne graduated from St. Aloysius High School and earned an associate's degree from Delgado Community College. Personally and professionally, Wayne was a true humanitarian. He spent his life serving others through a long career in the non-profit world, working with and for the March of Dimes, the American Cancer Society and, ultimately, Bridge House. Wayne was particularly proud of his many fundraising creations, especially the Cochon Cotillion and Mr. Legs events for Bridge House. And he sacrificed many Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays feeding people in need in our city. Wayne was a native New Orleanian through and through. He loved our food, LSU sports, Broadway musicals and folk music (especially Peter, Paul & Mary). And, second only to the love he had for his husband Wayne, adored his cats. He made sure that any cat that crossed his path was fed and creatively named – Muriel, Inez and Ebenezer to name a few. Wayne happily lived the last 48 years with his husband and soulmate, Clarence Raymond Rockwell (Ray), by his side. He is also survived by his children, Darren and Meredith (Marino), six grandchildren, six nieces and nephews and his beloved cat, Abigail. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Luis Olivio and Olivia Noullet Olivio, his siblings, Nazarine (Bulliung) and Joe and his niece, Christine (Sachitano). Our beloved Wayne will be remembered for his tenacity, sarcasm and his gentle heart. In his memory, Wayne would encourage everyone to go out and volunteer for a cause that is meaningful to you and helpful to those in need. He would also want to send his gratitude to all those who volunteered for the worthy non-profit organizations for which he worked. We will celebrate Wayne's life with a Memorial Service on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the home of Michael & Terri North. Please email Terri at [email protected] for additional information. Arrangements entrusted to Tharp Funeral Home. Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed at www.tharpcares.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Jun. 29 to Jun. 30, 2024.

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3 Entries

Tom Nenos

June 23, 2025

Wayne was one of my best friends in high school at St. Aloysius class of '64. We used to play basketball at the LEE Circle YMCA. We remained friends over the years. I know he enjoyed his work as a fund raiser for many organizations. He is missed!

Tom Nenos

June 30, 2024

Wayne was a good friend. We became friends at St. Aloysius and we remained friends until he passed. He was a giver of his time and talent to many non-profits in our community. He will be missed! Rest In Peace Wayne!

Mary Bridges Wiggenhorn

June 30, 2024

I had the privilege of working with Wayne at the American Cancer Society many years ago. He was undoubtedly one of the finest human beings I have ever known. He was kind and funny and encouraging and disgustingly organized (his daily to-do list was a work of art) and just a really good guy. At the ACS, I covered 7 rural parishes around New Orleans and Wayne was always available to go with me to an event in Houma or Thibodaux. Being around Wayne was always a pleasure. We kept in touch while he was at Bridge House but regretfully we drifted apart over the years. My deepest sympathy to Ray and the family. Wayne was one of a kind and he certainly made an impact on many lives, mine included. God bless.

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Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

at the home of Michael & Terri North

LA

Funeral services provided by:

Tharp Funeral Home - Metairie

1600 North Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001

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