Joseph ‘Joe’ Oliver – Belle Vernon
Joseph “Joe” Oliver, of Belle Vernon, son of the late Theresa Tiano and Antonio Oliverio, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, at the age of 97. Joe was born with a twin brother, Nick, on Sept. 23, 1922. There was a total of 10 brothers and two sisters. In May of 1932, Joe and his twin brother, Nick, accompanied their father Antonio, a World War I Veteran, to the famous 1932 Bonus Army March in Washington D.C., to petition the U.S. Congress to appropriate the promised money to pay World War I veterans. Nick and Joe at the age of six put on scores of three round boxing matches for the veterans in the encampment at Anaconda, to raise money to buy food. Their story, pictures and experience were included in a PBS documentary and also in a historical book about The Bonus March by Dickson and Allen. Joe graduated from Belle Vernon High School in 1940 and served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was most proud to have served in both World War II and the Korean War. Joseph was a mason and bricklayer by trade and became a foreman at Pittsburgh Monessen Steel Company, where he later became a survivor of a leukemia caused by asbestos dust in the BOF furnace. For decades after surviving his disease he was a champion and advocate for safe workspaces. He became an expert witness for the plaintiff with the Beachler Law firm in Pittsburgh and testified regarding the working conditions at the steel mill. He was instrumental in getting dozens of workers compensation for their diseases. He is survived by his wife, Frances Trader Oliver, with whom he shared 74 years of marriage and his adult children: daughter, Margaret Oliver Elmore, RN; and son, Thomas Oliver. He was especially proud of being a hands-on grandfather to Lori Oliver Ph.D., Erin Elmore Esq., and Ashley Elmore Bosonac Ph.D., to whom he taught poetry, quotes and inspirational life’s lessons. He also is survived by three great-grandsons. Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, at FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 700 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon. 724-929-5300. www.FergusonFuneralHomeandCrematory.com. Funeral services will follow at noon in the funeral home with the Rev. Larry Coltura officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either the Belle Vernon VFW or the American Legion.
