Ronald J. Oliver

Ron Oliver passed away on June 8, 2018 after a long series of illnesses. He was the loving husband of his high school sweetheart, Gladys Edwards Oliver, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Mildred and Vito Oliver.

Ron retired from the Budd Manufacturing Company after 30 years in 2000. He was a Millwright Journeyman and a certified HVAC technician. He furthered his career by attaining an associate’s degree in Industrial Welding from Spring Garden College.

He spent his retirement meticulously restoring his 1968 Dodge Coronet RT, his pride and joy. His hobbies included Muscle Cars and Tropical Fish. Ron and Gladys were members of the Top Dead Center Motor Club and traveled in the restored car to many car shows where he received top of class trophies. He was also a lifelong member of the NRA.

Ron loved the winter and downhill skiing. Any sightings of snow warmed his heart. He worked spring, summer and fall scouting for free firewood that he would split and use to heat his house during the cold months. He prided himself in how little he spent on oil heat due to the elaborate floor heating system he designed and installed. A major coupon clipper, he would lay out his deals on the kitchen table to show us all what he saved.

He was the neighborhood Mr. Fix-It. A knock on his door could bring your broken item back to life.

Ron loved dogs but hated squirrels, they were always breaking into his bird feeders. He enjoyed and admired Charles Sagan and watched science and space channel daily. He also enjoyed listening to Yanni in concert, but that didn’t stop him from being a rock and roll fan. While working in his workshop, you could hear his radio playing some good old rock and roll music.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a brother, Robert (Cathy); and a sister, Patty Oliver; his very caring brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles Edwards, James and Elaine Edwards, Barbara and Bruce Bordelon and Debbie Oliver, as well as many nieces, nephews, dear friends and neighbors. He was predeceased by a brother, Richard Oliver.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at the James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, where family and friends may call from 10:15-10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Ron’s memory to Disabled American Veteran (dav.org), PO Box 2499, West Chester, Pa 19380; or to the Friends Association, 113 West Chestnut Street, West Chester, Pa 19380 or to The Salvation Army of West Chester, 101 E. Market Street, West Chester, Pa 19382.

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