He passed away unexpectedly on Monday Sept. 5th, 2022 at age 78. He is son to parents Ida
Olivero and John B. Olivero. He is survived by his brother Ron Olivero, Sister in law Judie
Olivero, Nephew Kevin Olivero, first Cousins, Rod Cappelluti, Kent Danelli, Jerry Danelli, Aunt
Velma Pistoresi, Daughter Lori Olivero, Son Nicholas Olivero, daughter Gretchen Olivero
Larson, Son-In-Law Eric Larson, and his two grandchildren Asher Larson and Miles Larson.
“Rick” lived in Chowchilla his whole life surrounded by family with his Italian heritage and
traditions. He grew up on his family ranch alongside his older brother Ronnie and attended
Central Grammar School. He graduated from Chowchilla High School, attended Fresno City
College, was employed and retired from PG&E after 32 years. He was a member of the Lions
Club, Saint Columba Catholic Church and active in creating art for the city of Chowchilla. He
was involved in many fundraising activities in the Lions Club working the beer booth at the
car and boat races, the pancake breakfast, as well as cutting and bringing the Christmas tree to
the city of Chowchilla on main street yearly.
He was a painter and illustrator who had aspirations to be a cartoon illustrator like Charles
Shultz and Walt Disney and made many comic strip characters, paintings and a mural in his
home.
In his youth he was known as the local James Dean, working on cars and for his great dance
moves. Over the years, he was known in the community for his creative vision and artistic
talents. He designed and illustrated the Chowchilla, Gateway to Prosperity billboard sign on
HWY 99 in the 1980’s. He also illustrated the Native American cover for the high school
football pamphlet used in the 1980’s and 1990’s. In addition, he designed and illustrated his
family reunion t- shirts for the Olivero annual bocce ball championship.
Most importantly, he focused on raising his family and one fondest memory is that he would
draw his cartoon illustrations on their paper lunch bags every day at school, for all the school
children to enjoy. He traveled to Italy and Belize with his family, as well as to Disneyland
repeatedly. He had many cross-country road trips in retirement with his closest friends. He
spent many weekend mornings having breakfast at Pioneer Market and Farnessi’s restaurant
with his family and then later in life with his friends. He loved and was known to sing and
whistle openly at grocery stores his whole life. He had an infectious laugh, loved being Italian-
American, loved to dance, loved his friends, loved his family, loved his animals and loved his
home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital where Rick often donated.
