Anthony “Tony” Oliverio passed away in his home on Friday, February 5, 2016. He would have been 100 years old on Tuesday, February 9, 2016
His wife, Lena Oliverio, passed away on January 4, 2009. They had been married for 69 years. He is preceded in death by his father Biagio (Bill), mother Rosa Rose), 4 brothers Johnny , Billy, Frank & Joe and 4 sisters Louise (who died as a child), Victoria, Rose & Kate. He is survived by his brother Tom, sister Louise, 5 children Ken, Louise, Steve, Dave & Joe Oliverio as well as 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild.
Tony was truly a self-made man starting with nothing when he married the love of life, Lena Ambrosio, in 1939 in San Francisco, California. Together, they would go on to start a second hand business, a sewing machine business and finally the business that became a central focus of their lives, the apartment business. In 1961, Tony and Lena moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Over the years they built, bought and operated a number of apartment complexes. Tony rented and maintained the apartments while Lena handled the business side. Many of the boys in the family worked periodically in the family business including Joe, who has worked in the business for over 30 years.
After Lena passed away in 2009, Tony finally retired at age 93. He religiously attended mass on Sundays with his good friend, Renny at SS. Simon & Jude Catholic church. He enjoyed walking to Chris Town Mall every day to hang out with his friends at the mall including his best friend, Alan Feierstein. Tony lived a healthy and independent life in his own home until four months before his passing, when his health finally began to decline. He truly lived a long and healthy life and will now be reunited with his loving wife, Lena.
The viewing is from 5 pm to 8 pm, Friday, February 12th at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home located at 4800 East Indian School Road in Phoenix. The funeral is at 10 am, Saturday, February 13th, also at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Ernie and Denise
Our prayers and thoughts are with you
Louise Oliverio Brad Davis
Dad,
This is YOUR day, the day you had been dreaming about, February 9th.
Happy 100th Birthday!!
Lots of Love,
Your daughter, Louise & husband, Brad
Debbie and Hobe Schroeder
Our deepest condolences to you, Louise and your entire family. He was so full of life and had such a great smile! He must have been so proud of you! Surely, you made his day when you would go over to visit him and spend quality time together. We will never forget when he danced with Lena to “their song” at your wedding. Our thoughts are with you and Brad at this time.
Diane Raines and Clinton Messerschmidt
Clint and Diane send their condolences, thoughts, and prayers to Anthony’s family. Though we never had the pleasure of meeting Anthony, we feel we knew him through the wonderful stories of his life that Louise shared with us. Anthony is celebrating his 100th birthday today with his dear wife, Lena. They are now together forever.
Lisa rohr
My thoughts are with the family
Billy and Susan Oliverio
How sad we are to hear of the passing of Uncle Tony. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time. We will always remember the many visits Uncle Tony and his family made to PA to visit his family. There was never a “DULL” or “QUIET” moment then there was a roomful of “OLIVERIO’S” revisiting their pasts. We will miss and remember Uncle Tony fondly. RIP
Mari-Elena Guido
I have never known a more loyal friend to my father, mother, and family. I will remember Tony fondly for demonstrating unconditional love for Lena, painting an apartment faster than anyone else anywhere, and having the title of self-declared “best”gin-rummy card player. He was ALWAYS kind to me, welcomed my husband to the family, and allowed my girls to see the value of long-lasting friendship.
Louise, Steve, David, and my sweet Joey, please know we love you and extend our deepest sympathy. I am sorry we will not be in attendance at the services but know we are thinking of you and praying for you.
Mari-Elena, Ernie, Natalie, and Nicole
With Love, Joe & Velvet
Our deepest heartfelt sympathies to the entire Oliverio family. Uncle Tony lived a full and happy life, almost 100 years in this worlds journey. We were just reminiscing about his younger days when he played high school football in Canton, Ohio in the Hall of Fame stadium. We have many, many, fond memories…May he be reunited with his love Aunt Lena, and family and friends who have passed before him, we can almost hear the Brothers reuniting….
Hugs and love sent to his children, and their families, and Aunt Louise, and Uncle Tommy, you are all in our thoughts and prayers, May God give you strength in this very sad time.
We will miss you Uncle Tony,
God Bless your Soul…
John and Maureen Godfrey
Condolences to the entire Oliverio family. What great accomplishments and character Tony demonstrated in his long life! His stories were sure to bring a smile. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Louise Olesi Maksa
Sister Louise and Rick. Offering our Condolences to my Brothers Family. A few yrs ago I visited my Brother. We had a good time talking and laughing. It was a wonderful visit. Will miss talking to him on the phone. RIP Brother Tony
Nancy Ransohoff
Louise and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. Your family is in our thoughts as you go through this difficult time. We will always remember Tony’s zest for life and positive attitude. What a wonderful, long, fulfilling life full of love…may he rest in peace.
With our sincere condolences,
Nancy and Kurt
Richard Ernst (San Diego)
I didn’t know him directly, but know his wonderful daughter, Louise. Wishing you all sincere sympathy at this time.
Nance Thielen
Louise, Brad and the Oliverio family,
Over the years, I have heard many wonderful stories of your dad and I feel like I know him myself. What a lovely legacy of kindness, love, humor and the importance of family he has left to you all. May many fond memories comfort you all. God bless, Nance Thielen
Margo Thomas
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was truly a remarkable man who could really dance! I’m sure you will find some comfort in knowing he had such a wonderful, long life.
He’s at peace now … probably dancing up a storm with Lena!!
XXX
Margo Thomas
Connie Muther
i’m sooooo sorry. No matter how much you are prepared for losing a
parent, it is still a huge loss.
You were so fortunate to have him for so long!! Egad, almost 100!!
That’s incredible! You were such a wonderful daughter. I know he was
totally proud of YOU!!
Luv ‘n hugs, always,
Connie
Steward H Smith & Krtistin Raynes
Knowing the ‘greatest sports fan of all time’ and his family is truly valued by me. Watching Toni play poker at a casino was really a unique experience. He was so good at it. If you played a game with Toni and won you had beat one of the best. His felt much pride in going to work every day of the year. Toni had a love of life and it showed. Stew and Kristin send their deepest condolences to Toni’s family.
Alan Feierstein
I’ve known Tony 43 years. We were not just in a landlord/tenant relationship. We always hung out at the Christown Mall and sometimes in the casinos. I will miss him greatly.
Alan
Peggy garrison
I meant Lena & Tony when I moved to Phoenix in 1973. Louise & I worked together at American Airlines. I loved going to the Oliverio house, they were always playing cards & games , I felt so at home there. louise spent so much time with her parents through the good & bad times & I have so much admiration for Louise. Tony lived a very long life & I know he was very proud & loved his family. God bless Paula, Dave Brad & the Oliverio family.