Richard J. Oliver, 63, of Toledo, OH passed away at his home on June 27, 2019. He was born on November 14, 1955 in Fremont, the son of John Oliver. He was a 1974 graduate of Fremont Ross High School. Rick received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Thomas Edison State College and his Master’s Degree in Education from Bowling Green State University.
Rick served in the US Army from 1974 to 1975 and received the National Defense Service Medal. He enjoyed military history and performed restoration work at the R.B. Hayes Presidential Library. He had a love for music, played the trumpet, and was the choir director at several churches. Rick enjoyed watching old movies, reading, and collecting Coca Cola products and trains. He was a train conductor at Cedar Point for several years. He loved his family and was very active in his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, had a heart for helping others, and had a strong Christian Faith.
Rick was the circulation director at the News Messenger for many years and taught at EHOVE and Terra Community College. He then became the Director of Online Education at Tiffin University, Director of Business Development at Harbor Behavior Health, and a Computer Education Professor at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Rick is survived by his children, Brandi (Charles) Mckenzie, Vicksburg, MS and Jonathan (Sharon) Oliver, Cleveland, OH; grandchildren, Tristan Mckenzie, Kathryn and Zachary Oliver; former wife of thirty-six years, Paula Oliver, Norwalk, OH; and nephew, Chip Friedberg, Bettsville, OH.
He is preceded in death by his father, John Oliver and sister, Gale Friedberg.
Rick’s wishes were to have private services held for the family.
Rick had a heart for animals and to honor his memory donations can be made to your local animal shelter. His other passion was working in mental health, donations to NAMI would also be appreciated.
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Bob and Chris Michael
Dear Paula, Brandi, Jonathan and families,
Please accept our sincere sympathy. Rick met many people through his work, hobbies and family. May your memories of him and the things you shared sustain you now and in the future.
Bob and Chris
Greg Hawkins
Brandi, I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Jeanne Hibbard
Chip, Trina, Alyssa, and all the family,
My sincere condolences on your loss. I know Richard was always an important part of your family.
He will be missed.
My love to each of you and your family,
Aunt Jeanne
jan luse
Barry and I would like to express our sympathy to the entire family. We have some very good memories of those swim days with Brandi and Jonathan followed by parents enjoying friendship and food. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen Robinson
Richard was a very good friend to myself and Paul Taylor. We spent our Thursday night having dinner and movies. He was a very kind and loving man. He often spoke of his children and how much he loved them. Our last dinner last Thursday we told each other we loved each other and hugged goodbye, not knowing it would be our last time. Fly high my friend.
Sam & Luann Derr
Brandi, Jonathan & family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers as you keep your dad’s memory in your hearts. May the Lord comfort you during this time as you remember his special love as dad and grandpa. Although we have moved away, we will always think of him as our neighbor around the corner. God bless you all.
Sam & Luann Derr
Mrs. Madeline Doble, Fremont Ross
John and Brandi: I am so sorry to read about your dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pat Kaminsky
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.. May he RIP. Our condolences to all. Love, Aunt Patty and Uncle Dave K.
Nancy Sattler
Brandi and Jonathan,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember your dad giving whale rides at the Holiday Inn pool to all the kids. He always had a smile on his face. I will keep you and your families in my thoughts and prayers.
DWAYNE CLARK of MYRTLE BEACH SC
My CONDOLENCES to the OLIVER FAMILY, RICK was a GREAT PERSON,
Phil and Patty Weiker
Brandi and Jonathan. I am so saddened to hear about Rick’s passing. He was a good friend. God bless and comfort. Your families.