Dr. Joseph Oliver, Jr., (1933 - 2021) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

The two most important things in life are family and education.

88 years old
Born on February 4, 1933 in Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Passed away on November 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California, United States

Dr. Joseph Oliver, Jr., age 88, (February 4, 1933 - November 15, 2021) passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021, in his home in Ladera Heights, Los Angeles, California from respiratory arrest due to interstitial pulmonary disease.

Joseph Oliver, Jr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, February 4, 1933 to Willie Lee Oliver and Joseph Oliver Sr. His primary and secondary school education was in the Baltimore Public School System, where he graduated from Frederick Douglass High School. He attended Morgan State University in Baltimore, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. While there, he was a member of the Army ROTC. After leaving Morgan State University, Dr. Oliver entered the US Army, where he attended the Guided Missile School and obtained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Upon completion of his military service, he obtained a master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Oliver achieved a Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS) from USC School of Dentistry in 1976.

Following a successful career working in the aerospace industry for TRW Inc., Dr. Oliver became fascinated with the idea of a career in dentistry. He opened his private practice in Inglewood, California where he practiced in two different locations before opening Oliver Dental Health in Torrance, California. Dr. Oliver retired from Dentistry on March 1, 2019.

Through the years, Joe loved to jog daily. He also enjoyed skiing (snow, water, jet) and traveling with his wife. Bringing his family along on annual dental convention trips was a beloved pastime for the whole family.

Dr. Oliver will be remembered for his expertise in the field of dentistry, and his commitment to the importance of two things - Family and Education. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and patients.

PREDECEASED
His mother Willie Lee Oliver; his father Joseph Oliver Sr.; his only sister Sadie [Oliver] Hamlett; and, his grandson Christian Smith.

SURVIVING RELATIVES
Beloved Wife – Bonnie Oliver (Ladera Heights, CA)
Former Wife – Jennie [Jardine] Oliver (Westchester, CA)
Children – Colin (Kim) Oliver (La Puente, CA); Scott Oliver (Westchester, CA); Toni Oliver-Carfino (Westchester, CA); Paula Oliver (Blue Bell, PA); Garrett (Dione) Oliver (Torrance, CA); Evan (Amber) Oliver (Gardena, CA); and, Tianna (Nick) Collins (Kula, HI)
Grandchildren – Patience Oliver; Jordan Carfino; Paige Oliver; Camryn Carfino; Judah Oliver; Seraphina Oliver; and, Gabriel Oliver

Memorial service will begin at 11 AM on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. We invite you to attend via Zoom.

Tributes

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February 4

I still miss Joe as we did so much together - going to dinner, Clipper games, and his beloved USC Rose Bowl games. He will always be a light in my life and an inspiration to me as i journey on this side. Hello my good friend!

December 16, 2021

To the family of Dr. Joe

As a patient of over 20 years, I got to know Dr. Oliver as the very gracious, personable, and calming dentist who loved the Penn relays. But I just can't say how much I enjoyed Dr. Oliver's tribute yesterday, as I felt like I got the chance to see another side of him -- as a beloved father and a friend. A thousand travel stories I've heard from Dr Joe over the years. and I imagined a little, that I lived his stories, too. Will always remember and love Dr. Joe.

December 15, 2021

Dear Bonnie, Toni and the entire Oliver family, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of our dear cousin Joe…I have so many wonderful memories from when we first met in LA in the early 80’s. You were all so welcoming to us, and we enjoyed all of the fun gatherings at our homes during our years there ( especially those legendary adult Halloween costume parties that we were too young to attend!). What I remember most was Joe’s 1000watt smile with his giant heart and genuine nature that was unmatched. His dedicated to his family and his patients was evident to all who had the good fortune to know him. Although we’ve lost touch in recent years, the wonderful memories remain with me always. On behalf of my mom Denia, I send our love and prayers across the miles to surround all of you, as you celebrate a very special life well lived.

December 15, 2021

I’m a former patient of Dr. Oliver. I actually enjoyed my visits, because Dr. Oliver, Elaine and I had such great conversations. I admired him, and will miss him. He spoke of his family as his greatest accomplishment. Thank you for sharing such a blessed spirit with the rest of us!

December 15, 2021

To the Family of Dr. Oliver and the Family of Dentistry our beloved profession.
Joe has been a leader and dedicated community member caring about others.
It has been an honor and pleasure to call him a colleague and a giant in our profession. Always smiling, working for an answer, committed and persistent . We worked together in the NDA for a Civll Rights Luncheon with keynote speaker Dick Gregory, He was so supportive. His beautiful Daughter Dr.Toni Oliver was a member of the Association of Black Women Dentists , He was so helpful and inspirational to me in all my endeavors. He is admired , respected and loved and will be remembered in the heart always , Dr. Shirley J. Bailey

December 15, 2021

"And when great souls die, after a period, peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration. Our sense, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us. They existed. We can be better. For they existed."

December 15, 2021

Joe, I have been blessed by you in so many ways. Thank you for allowing me to call you my friend and brother. You have always been an inspiration to me. Your kindness, wisdom and love endures forever within me. Thank you for everything!

December 15, 2021

Dr Oliver you will forever be remembered for your kindness, generosity and especially your friendship. You were a giant among your peers and an inspiration to many. Your patients trusted, respected and loved you. Thank you for encouraging and allowing me to grow in my profession. I am forever grateful
Rest In Peace Sir.

December 14, 2021

Dr. Joe,

I will always remember your smile, your kindness, and that you gave me the blessing of your daughter Toni, who is one of my closest friends. That she followed in your footsteps in dentistry is a testament to the role model you are. You always welcomed me into your home and made me feel like another daughter. You will be truly missed. Peace be with you.

December 14, 2021

My Dear Dr. Oliver, you were my Dentist for almost 40 years, and all the while you were also a dear family friend. You were the biggest sports fan to my sons, always acknowledging their achievements and attending games when you could. When I would share proud mama moments with you, you had as much joy as I did.

Thank you for your big smile, big hugs and unconditional love. Thank you for my beautiful smile and thank you for your beautiful daughter Toni, who is now my dentist. Peace and blessings to the entire Oliver family.

Rest in Peace and Power Doc.
Love, The Dawson Family XXOO

December 14, 2021

Dr. Oliver started as my dentist when I relocated to Southern California from upstate New York in 1976. My office was next door to the dental school at USC. As we spent time talking, we discovered that we had connections through our families back in Baltimore. Our relationship grew even closer as our children attended the same preschool. Uncle Joe and Aunt Bonnie were a part of our family, and we were a part of theirs. There is a quote often shared which says "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded" (Luke 12: 48b). My Kappa Brother was generous with his time, talent and treasure. I could always count on Dr. Oliver to take care of those in need of dental care irrespective of their ability to pay. However, just as he would freely give of his wisdom, he was humble enough to also seek advice/insight from trusted friends. I shall miss his smile, the parties where he always had a positive comment about you as he introduced you to other guests and our long discussions on not just living your best life but making a difference. My family was blessed by God when he placed Dr. Oliver and the entire family in our path. In the days that are to come, please know that we stand ready to be of assistance in any way that we are able. May God continue to bless and keep each and everyone of you.

December 14, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Oliver family during this very difficult time. May Dr. Oliver rest in peace. We are thankful for the opportunity to have met him, and we hope his loved ones find comfort in the memories shared with this extraordinary man.

December 14, 2021

I have know Dr.Oliver since I was 18 or so. He was the only dentist that had done work on my mouth until he retired. Each time he would move the office I would have an appointment within the first week of the office opening. Another interesting story I would like to share is I had an appointment and Dr. Oliver was trying to deaden my mouth and it was not working, he asked if I was pregnant and I told he NO and sure enough I was and that was 40 years ago. I will truly miss you and I know you will be keeping an eye on all of us. Love you very much

December 13, 2021

Dr. Oliver made every dental appointment enjoyable because I could count on conversation about a book, movie, USC or travel location. He expressed genuine interest in the family since all four of us were patients. I am full of gratitude for the life he lived and the lives he touched. May his family find joy and peace in their precious memories. Fight On!

December 13, 2021

Joe, although I left LA 4 years ago and returned to our beloved Baltimore, my memories of our times together will stay with me for the rest of my life. Eating Thai in Culver City or Soul Food in South Central, we did it up and always had a good time reminiscing about our Baltimore. When we meet again I will surely make you the best crabcake you ever tasted! Farewell my forever friend..

December 12, 2021

Joe you will be truly missed. The BEST dentist I ever had. You became my dentist at the age of 12. And I haven’t found a dentist as good as you since I moved to Lancaster. I remember you pulling four of my teeth, in one visit. Because I was getting braces and I never had any pain afterwards. Love ❤️ and miss you . Rest Peacefully in Heaven. Your patient Sylounda

December 10, 2021

Death takes the body, God takes the soul. Our minds hold the memories. Our hearts keep the love. Our faith lets us know we will meet again.

Dr. Oliver you are forever in my heart and memory, our families go all the way back to the 60's in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

You are Loved, We are Family

December 6, 2021

Dr. Oliver, I will truly miss your bright smile, your words of wisdom and kindness throughout the years! Thank you for being such a beautiful person! USC fight on!

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Recent Tributes

February 4

December 16, 2021

December 15, 2021

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Gallery

We enjoyed the sites of Paris and London just to see a Football game. What a time we had.

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We became brothers!

December 15, 2021

Joe was recommended to me by Dorothy Williams when his office was located at Crenshaw and Imperial. We discovered that we both had lived in Baltimore, graduated from Morgan State, were born in February (10 days apart), loved football, track & basketball, taught math, served in the military, loved our family and enjoyed great conversation. He became my dentist but more than that we became friends and brothers. We always checked on each other and over the years had so many great conversations. Our age difference never got in the way of being open, honest and transparent with each other. I will forever remember him and the mutual love and respect we had for each other. Rest peacefully my brother, I will carry you in my heart until we meet again.

December 15, 2021

It was 1983/1984 when my journey with Dr. Joseph Oliver begin...and I needed work, LOL After falling off my moms insurance to having dental benefits of my own (when I arrived, I had about 6 cavities, and needed deep cleaning). 30+years later, I never left. He was not only "MY" dentist, but also my advisor, supporter, and family friend. Also a true champion for children and their endeavors, attending as many of their games that time permitted. Your love of family will forever remain in our hearts. To the entire Oliver Family, Thank You for "Sharing Him with Us." Toni, Thank You for carrying the Torch, and may God Give You Strength, Peace, and Comfort in knowing the deposits your father made will help you carry on the Oliver Legacy. Love Always Belinda, until we meet again my friend, I'll just keep humming....la da de,..la da da...la da de...la da da!!!

December 7, 2021

Joe and I share being members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity initiated at the same chapter, Alpha Iota at Morgan State, and NDA Past Presidents. We are two of the six who are Kappas who have served the NDA as Presidents. He had a never ending smile and was always upbeat. The great ones are always missed and to share the same legacy with my Frat Brother is distinguishing. Rest well my Brother in the Chapter Invisible.

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