Ledyard - Robert Marion Oliver III "Coach-O" passed away Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016

Born in Santa Clara, Calif., Sept. 13, 1968, Rob was the elder child of Robert Oliver Jr. and Lauretta (Yager) Oliver.

Rob was a gentle giant, always kind and friendly. He was a scholar, athlete, chemist and coach. He was straight-talking, loyal and stoic, a genuine person who strove to do his best in every situation. Rob was a graduate of Clayton Valley High School, the University of California-Davis with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry, and Sacred Heart University with a master of science degree in education.

Specializing in synthetic organic chemistry, Rob was an accomplished scientist who was well-respected by his peers and leaders. He started his chemistry career at Zeneca Agrochemicals where he worked for eight years. In 1998 he moved to Connecticut, where he worked for Pfizer Global R&D for 18 years. He contributed to projects seeking to deliver new medicines for arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and infectious diseases. Among his many scientific achievements, Rob was a co-author or co-inventor on more than 25 papers and patents.

In his other vocation – athletics – his accomplishments were also impressive. Using his toughness, size, finesse and intelligence Rob was a three year starter on his high school varsity basketball team in the ultra-competitive California Interscholastic Federation. He capped his playing career in college, earning the varsity letter at UC-Davis. He followed these successes on the court by coaching; "he was a very gifted coach," and taught and mentored numerous young men. He was an assistant coach at East Lyme High School for over a decade. For three years he was the head coach at Wheeler High School, where he coached the Lions to the Connecticut state quarterfinals in 2007. For the past three seasons, Rob was the lead-assistant coach for the University of Connecticut-Avery Point's men's basketball team. In all of these places, he was respected by officials, valued by his fellow coaches, and loved by his players. Rob cast a long shadow.

Rob passed from this life, suddenly and unexpectedly, but peacefully. All of us who knew him loved him, and we shall miss him dearly.

He is survived by his parents; his sister, Stephanie Woolley (Scott); nephew, Sean; and niece, Kelli; as well as many friends from the multiple facets of his life.

Farewell, until we meet again, our dear son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate, colleague and coach. "God needed a power forward and called you home early"

A public memorial service is being planned.

In lieu of flowers, Rob's family requests donations to the UCONN Foundation Avery Point Men's Basketball (fund #21762).

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

Published by The Day on Nov. 20, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Oliver

Sponsored by Church & Allen Funeral Service - Norwich.

11 Entries

David Vandal

February 3, 2017

Coach O was a great man. I was lucky enough to learn from him as one of his players. Rob saw me grow and mature from a scrawny high school freshman to a division one national champion. His belief in me and his constant encouragement were a great help in my playing career. I have no doubt that the hundreds of players that he interacted with feel the same. He cared about each of his players and their well being and made you feel like the most important person in the room. He will be dearly missed. Until we meet again Coach!

Xidong Feng

December 9, 2016

I begin to know Robert through organic chemistry. He was a dedicated organic chemist and I am an analytical chemist helping him to figure out what he made from time to time. It tuned out that we gradually shifted our conversation topics from chemistry to basketball because he was a decorated basketball player and coach while I am a self-taught passionate basketball lover. He was so proud of what he had achieved in the lab by telling me how many important compounds he had made and how close is one of his compounds to become a drug to transform patient's life. He was equally proud of being a basketball coach of groups of fine young men. He gave me one of his business card as an assistant coach for the UConn Avery Point men's basketball team, and a few months later he was still so extremely excited that he offered me the same business card again. I politely refused his offer this time and made some jokes with him. What impressed me the most through lunch time conversation is that the reason he became a basketball coach is not only to improve basketball skills, but also to help to shape up values of life for those fine young men through team work and sportsmanship. Robert, you will be remembered forever as a nice friend and colleague!

Stephanie Woolley

December 4, 2016

You were a great brother that teased me relentlessly, but I know it was out of love. We didn't get to see you very often with you being on the other side of the country, but your work was so important to so many people & you touched so many kids lives with your coaching it's amazing.You had so many wonderful people in your life we got to meet a few recently. We are so going to miss you

Darryl Dickson-Carr

December 2, 2016

I met Rob in high school. He was always friendly and kind. Even when he went on to become a star basketball player at our school, he remained humble. It is gratifying to know that he went on to so many great successes. Rest in peace.

Kara Berry

November 19, 2016

Rob was a gentle giant. He was a remarkable influence on many young men. He coached our son at East Lyme High School and made quite an impression on not only him, but both of us. We are so very saddened to hear of his passing...there must have been a big game that needed his influence.....may God be with him.

Steve Heasley

November 15, 2016

I worked with Rob at Pfizer in CT. He was such a great guy and always was excited to share stories about the kids he coached in Basketball. I hate to hear about his passing and am so happy I was able to get to know him in my short time in CT.
My families sympathies to Rob's family and friends.

Claudia Mont

November 14, 2016

Our hearts are broken as we come to grips with the shocking news of Robs passing. As awful as the present reality is I find myself unable to stay in a dark place for just thinking about Rob, the big goofy, teddy bear he was, brings about so many loving, joy-filled, family memories. From the sweetest, little giggly boy who loudly laughed with reckless abandon (often laughing so hard his face hurt) to the accomplished selfless professional, player, coach, and friend...Rob was kind and giving to all and will be deeply missed. Heartfelt condolences.

Paul Bowles

November 12, 2016

Rob was tall, and he played, then coached, basketball; but his height was best seen in the great pride he had as a contributor to bettering the quality of people's lives as a scientist. Like many ballers, Rob's vertical leap became shorter with time; but his passion around helping kids develop and researching potential medicines to help people of all ages, continued to soar. That is the man I am happy to have known, as colleague and friend, for almost two decades. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.

Maria Escilda Ramirez

November 12, 2016

To a Man who was kind, funny, goofy and touched many peoples hearts.Your absence will be strongly felt. His dedication for his work and coaching basketball was unique, Great guy!!! May he Rest In Peace.

Anna Viscuso, ATC-L

November 12, 2016

My heart hurts today as I learned of the passing of a wonderful man Coach Rob Oliver, it was an honor and pleasure knowing and working with you these past 4 years. May God watch over your family and friends during these difficult and emotional times. Today and this season the men with play for you sir. You will be truly missed.

Kate French

November 11, 2016

To a Man who touched many peoples hearts.Your absence will be strongly felt. Your selflessness and dedication to friends and family was a gift to us all.

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