Lakeville, NY: At age 88, Wilfred D. Oliver of Rochester Road in Lakeville, NY passed peacefully on January 30, 2025 at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY. He was predeceased by his parents Darwin and Mildred (McWithey) Oliver, his brother Darwin Oliver and sisters Faith Garwood and Jeanne Canby.
Survived by his wife of 62 years, Maria Sarabia Oliver and 5 children; Connie (Roger) Haag, Cyndee Fitzsimmons, Wilfred Jr. (Elizabeth) Oliver, Wade Oliver and Jason Oliver; 7 Grandchildren Ryan, Garrett, Shannon, Todd, Tim, Whitney and Lilijana; 7 Great grandchildren Lily, Nico , Vivi , Amelia, Marlo, Jett and Gwendolyn.
Wil joined the Ground Observer Corps while still in high school and The United States Air Force made Wil an Honorary Life Member of the Air Defense Team for his voluntary and faithful service in the Ground Observer Corps, and awarded him a set of wings. Wil founded the Historical Association in Perry, NY, and was its first Historian. For this accomplishment, Wil was noted in “Who’s Who” among New Yorkers. He was class Valedictorian.
Wil enlisted in the Army Reserve and met his future wife at Ft. Dix where she was stationed as a medic in the Women’s Army Corps. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant (E6) before he separated from the military.
Wil worked at Eastman Kodak first as a chemist while going to night school to obtain his Bachelor of Science Degree. Later he was involved with minority business and purchasing and in that capacity, he was twice a guest at the White House, under Presidents Carter and Reagan.
Wil had a very successful tax and accounting business. He was an Enrolled Agent licensed to practice before the Internal Revenue Service and was an accredited Tax Accountant.
He was on the Town of Livonia Planning and Zoning Board for thirty years, being chairman for most of that time.
A member of the Wild West Arts Club, Wil was proficient in knife throwing, tomahawk throwing and whips, and entertained from Las Vegas, Nevada to New Jersey with the group.
Wil enjoyed retirement and toured the Amazon river, he went to Machu Pichu in Peru, he circled Australia, camping and cooking local foods nightly, he went to New Zealand, to Rome, to Switzerland and other parts of Europe. He was on the first NY bicycle trip from Buffalo, NY to Albany via the Erie Canal on a recumbent bicycle. He panned gold in Alaska and had a ring made with the gold he panned.
He played the part of organ grinder at Geva Theatre’s production of the Scopes Monkey trial; “Inherit the Wind” with his little 5 year old Capuchin Monkey, Kaycee Lorelei. It was a highly successful play with all seats sold out.
A private graveside service and burial will take place at Bath National Cemetery in Bath, NY. Memorial contributions may be made in Wil’s memory to Honor Flight Rochester. PO Box 23581, Rochester, NY 14692. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
So sorry to learn that Will passed away. I always enjoyed hiking with With Will and Wade at Letchworth State Park 20 years ago.
We are so sorry to hear of Wil’s passing, we enjoyed talking with Maria and Will when he did our taxes. Wil was very interesting and was the best at his accounting buisness! Our condolences to the Oliver family.
My condolences to Maria and the family.
My Condolences to the Oliver Family. I always enjoyed our conversations while he prepared my taxes. Will was such a kind gentleman.
Dearest Connie, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I have such wonderful memories of you from high school and thank you for your friendship back then. Having just also lost my Dad in June, I’m sending my sincere condolences to your whole family during this difficult time. What an adventurous man he was!
A great man, he was my cub scout leader.
Sorry to hear of Mr. Oliver’s passing ??
For a long time, I enjoyed seeing him and his monkey sitting outside on their picnic table while I was driving home from work. Great memories! ??