Gilbert Olivero

Gilbert John Olivero, Jr., age 80, of Northport, Ala., passed away September 12, 2020 after a battle with COVID-19. A celebration of life will be held at a later date with family in Florida. He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathleen Acebal; father, Gilbert Olivero, Sr.; and brothers, Frank Olivero and Ernest Acebal, Jr., all of Florida. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Elaine Ferlita Olivero; daughter, Theresa Perry (Scott) of Northport, Ala.; son, Michael Olivero of Valrico, Fla.; grandchildren, Ryan Perry, Alex Perry (Karley Watts) and Sydney Perry, all of Northport, Ala.; brother, Raymond Olivero (Judy) of Mt. Dora, Fla.; sister-in-law, Angela Salem (Jonathan) of Tampa, Fla.; brother-in-law, Paul Ferlita, Jr. of Valrico, Fla.; sister-in-law, Carolyn Olivero Olson of Georgia; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gilbert was born on August 31, 1940 in New York. In his teens, his family relocated to Tampa, Fla. where he met and married the love of his life and his best friend, Elaine. During his long and successful career in the food and beverage industry he was in sales for Coca-Cola, Stella D’Oro, and General Mills. While with Coca- Cola, he was transferred to Sarasota, Fla., where he and Elaine raised their children. Once the children were grown, Gil and Elaine moved to Alabama to be closer to their grandchildren. Anyone who met him learned quickly that he loved his family and that his grandchildren were the light of his life. He loved going to their ballgames, dance recitals, and just being able to spend time with them. Everyone knew “Poppy”, and he cheered on every player and dancer (loudly!) regardless of if they were his grandchildren or not. He truly was his family’s greatest supporter in everything that they did. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, and traveling with his family. Through all of their travels, his favorite place remained Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains, where he could watch the wildlife and enjoy the unspoiled nature. Gilbert was an active parishioner of Holy Spirit and St. Francis Catholic Churches. He was a devout Christian who lived each day by the principles of helping other people. While he never wanted any attention or accolades, he was routinely involved in charity acts of service. If someone was in need, he would help in any way he could. One organization that was particularly close to his heart was Eagles’ Wings, which provides comprehensive services to adults with developmental disabilities. He also purchased prayer cards and spread the Gospel by handing them out to strangers he encountered everywhere he went. Gilbert requested cremation to be handled by Norwood Wyatt Chapel Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Ryan, Alex, and Sydney. The family would like to thank Fr. Wyman of St. Francis Catholic Church for administering Last Rites while Gilbert was in COVID Critical Care ICU and the doctors and nurses of Northport DCH ICU and DCH Critical Care COVID ICU Unit. These people are working tirelessly to battle a virus that does not fight fair. They showed dedication, compassion, and most importantly care for their patients despite the harsh realities of each day. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Eagles’ Wings at www.eagleswingsoftuscaloosa.org.