Francis “Fran” Oliva, 84 of Yarmouth Port, son of the late Mary L. (Goodrow) and Anthony Oliva, passed away Saturday November 30 in the comfort of his family at Cape Cod Hospital.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years Mary Janice (Grogan) Oliva, brother Stephen Oliva (Andrea), sister Janice Oliva; four children, Barbara Rodrigues (Carlos), Michael Oliva (Linda), Suzanne Oliva (Joel Botsford) and Deborah Oliva;  three grandchildren, Matthew Pulsifer (Lisa), Jessica Sanphy (Reid), Michael Oliva (Katherine), and two great-grandchildren Lucille Pulsifer, and Camden Oliva along with many nieces and nephews.

 

Fran was born October 24, 1935 in Weymouth Massachusetts, and graduated from Weymouth High School in 1953.  He shared a small home with his family including a small room with his younger brother prior to joining the U.S. Army. Fran served from May 29, 1958 - April 30, 1964 primarily in Germany, taking leave to marry his wife on May 6, 1961. 

For nearly every day of the rest of his life, Fran wore his U.S. Army Veteran hat, and was very proud to call himself an Army veteran.

In the years following his service, Fran came back to Weymouth and often took his brother hunting (a hobby he enjoyed for many years) before moving with his wife and young family to Yarmouth Port in 1969, where they raised their family.

Their Yarmouth home and neighborhood changed a lot over the years, but it has always been a safe haven and a place of joy for his children and grandchildren.  Always the protector, Fran could never rest until he knew everyone was home safe in the house, no matter the hour.

Fran was a dedicated store manager at Stop & Shop for 45 years, working at nearly every Cape Cod store location during his service.  To this day, former co-workers remember “Franny” fondly, and everyone has great stories to share. 

Fran loved traveling to Maine and Pennsylvania, and loved working on his home and in the yard growing amazing tomato plants.  In his downtime, he enjoyed classic video games with Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation among his favorites. 

He lived for the holidays.  His home was known throughout the neighborhood as the place with full-sized candy bars every Halloween and every Christmas it was overflowing with decorations and gifts for the entire family.

Fran also loved to respectfully discuss and debate politics with family members on all ends of the political spectrum.   He avidly followed both local and national politics, and enjoyed watching the major Boston sports while also watching Alabama football, or, “The Bama” as he liked to call them.

He was a lover of animals with countless dogs and cats living in the home over the years including many golden retrievers, and most recently, an energetic three-legged rescue named Lizzie whom he adored, and she adored him.

Visiting hours will be held at Hallett Funeral Home 273 Station Ave. South Yarmouth on Sunday December 8, 2019 from 4-7 P.M.  A funeral Mass will be the celebrated on December 10 at Saint Pius X Church, Station Ave., South Yarmouth at 11 A.M. followed by the interment at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 1:15 P.M..

Contributions in his name may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 10 Chandler Street Boston, MA 02116, or to any worthy charity of your choosing.

I am sorry for your loss. Your dad was a lovingly husband and father. I spent many weekends down the cape and under the watchful eye of your dad growing up. With much love, Aunt Chris

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Steve. God Bless and may your brother Rest in Peace. We love you!

May you Rest In Peace

I am so sorry for your and your family's loss.

A farewell salute from a veteran that loved his country and his family. Thank you for your service brother. I have many great memories growing up with my brother from hunting together to watching the Red Sox win the World Series together to sharing a last slice of Papa Ginos pizza together at the nursing home to all our phone calls about life’s joys and sorrows. I will miss him very much! R.I.P. Brother till we meet again. Love always your brother Steve.

Franny was always a dear friend. I always enjoyed working with him and enjoyed hearing the cute stories about his grandson. He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace my friend.