Carl Oliva

Carl Anthony Oliva In Santa Rosa, on December 30, 2010, Carl Oliva entered immortality. Carl was born on December 6, 1919 to Frank and Carmela Lucci Oliva, in Nocera, Inferiore, Italy near the city of Pompeii. He immigrated to San Francisco in 1921 with his family, finding his passion in baseball, known as the star hitter and shortstop "Push-em up Tony" on the Mission Reds. He attended Mission High and after a brief stint at USF entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus prior to World War II. In March 1942, he enlisted in the US Navy and received a commendation from Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal for meritorious service on the USS Franklin. After graduating from USF and his service in the Navy, Carl worked in the insurance industry. On June 2, 1951 Carl married Bernadette Brown at St. Agnes Catholic Church. Deciding to make a dramatic career change, Carl earned his secondary credential at USF in 1965 and began a career of teaching. He taught English and Latin and coached tennis and basketball at Healdsburg High School. A tremendously successful career, he retired with many accolades much love and esteem of his students and colleagues. In 1975 Carl and his wife purchased vacation property in Graeagle, Plumas County, CA. They, and their children and grandchildren, reveled in this idyllic place. Carl is survived by his wife Bernadette, children Frank Oliva (Steve Mills), Marge Villarreal (Javier) and Anthony Oliva (Audrey); their grandchildren Michael, Brian and Cathy Villarreal, and Ben, Greg and Claire Oliva. He is also survived by siblings Fortunata Oliva and Virginia Oliva Thompson (Robert). Carl was predeceased by his parents Frank and Carmela Lucci Oliva and his siblings Mary Oliva Branch and husband Elmer, Kay Oliva Giblin and husband Bill and Ron Oliva; and his in-laws Jim and Pat Collins Brown and parents-in-law Mark and Marjorie Phipps Brown. Friends are invited to a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 10:30 AM at Resurrection Parish, 303 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa. Evening Vigil Rites will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 7:00 PM at Daniels Chapel of the Roses, 1225 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa. Visitation will begin at 4:00 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 2:30 PM at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma. Daniels Chapel of the Roses 1225 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa (707) 525-3730