Donald Robert Oliver Sr.

Donald R. Oliver, Sr., of Sarasota, Florida passed away after a long illness on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at home at the age of 82. He was born in Auburn, New York on June 11, 1935 to the late Raymond Henry Oliver and Grace Edith Weaver Oliver.

He attended East High School. After graduation, he joined the marines and served from 1953 until honorably discharged. He participated in a sniper team that competed nationwide.

He married Patricia Ann Kane after the service and went on to Auburn Community College. He continued his education at the University of Arizona where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He earned his Master’s Degree at Wilkes College.

He was an active Boy Scout leader, Rotarian, Member of the American Legion and the Elks Club. He served as Vice President of Human Relations for Dorr-Oliver; a worldwide supplier of large equipment. Upon retirement, he moved to Sarasota, Florida in 1998.

He is survived by his five children, Donald Oliver, Jr., Peter W. Oliver, Timothy R. Oliver (Shari) and Juliana Oliver Huron (Christopher), and Geoffrey Oliver. Well known as “Grumpy” to his nine loving grandchildren; Hannah, Jake, Olivia and Luke Huron; children of Juliana and Chris Huron; Henry and Grace Oliver, children of Timothy and Shari Oliver; Maia and Braden Oliver, children of Peter Oliver and Wendy Lionetti; Katy Oliver, daughter of Donald Jr. Oliver and Laura Johnson. Also surviving Donald is his loving fiancé and caregiver of 21 years, Diane Spencer.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Margaret of Scotland Episcopal Church (8700 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida 34241). Graveside services with Military Honors will take place at 12:30 pm at Sarasota National Cemetery (9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida 34241). A Celebration of his Life will be held at the Heritage Oaks Country Club immediately following his burial.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorials may be made to Tidewell Hospice of Sarasota (www.tidewell.org) or the Salvation Army. Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be offered to the family by signing his online guestbook at: www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com