Mr. William "Bill" Oliver

William “Bill” Oliver Proprietor Oliver’s Family Variety & Bill’s Bar LOWELL—William “Bill” Oliver passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 4, 2022, following a brief illness. He was 97 years old. Bill was the beloved husband of Kay (Koch) Oliver who died in 2012. Born in Lowell on June 1, 1925, he was a son of the late John and Altena (Andrews) Oliver. Bill was a graduate of the Lowell Schools. A Navy Veteran of WWII, Bill was a Boatswain Mate. He served the U.S. Navy in the Philippines. Bill married the love of his life, Kay Koch, on October 13, 1946, and together they celebrated 65 years of marriage, raising three loving children. Bill and Kay were very well known in the neighborhood as the proprietors of Oliver’s Family Variety Store on Gorham Street for many years. Bill also owned and managed Bill’s Bar and Grill, also on Gorham Street. Bill was known for holding neighborhood benefits, raising money for whatever seem to be needed. His famous watermelon eating contests were legendary for many years. The variety store was a neighborhood institution, allowing families to get by, week to week, with groceries and necessities. Bill and Kay enjoyed trips to Alton Bay, NH to their cabin, and traveling around in their motor home. Boating and fishing in Newburyport were also some of Bill’s favorites. Prior to operating the variety store, Bill worked for many years with his father, John, as a corduroy cutter at the Hawkmeyer Mill until its closing in the 1950’s. He then began his career in the construction trade. He was a very handy craftsman, and built many things for family members. In his younger years, Bill played baseball in the Gas Light League. He was President of the Chambers Street Baseball League, later named after Bill’s late nephew, James William Oliveria. Bill held membership in the Lowell VFW Post 662. He was an avid gardener, growing vegetables and flowers in his greenhouse and yard. He also loved animals. Bill enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, especially around the holidays. Bill was the father of the late Karen G. Nelson who died on May 6, 2020. He is survived by a daughter, Linda J. Brousseau of Lowell, and William M. “Bill” Oliver and his wife Kathie of Tyngsborough; seven grandchildren, Thomas, Timothy, Katie ( and husband Han) Stutz, Dustin (and wife Lynn) Neild, Margaret Brousseau (and husband Joel Margi) , Billy and Sam (and wife Vanessa) Oliver; his eight great grandchildren, Tasha (and her husband Joe) Kenney, Samuel, Emily, Ryan, Kaitlin, Scout, Mason, and Jackson; two great-great grandchildren, Evan and Lydia; two sisters, Gladys Carignan of FL, and Thelma Curran and her husband Don of CA; his brother, Neil Oliveria of Lowell; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins. Bill was the brother of the late Joseph (and wife Dorothy) Oliver, James Oliveira, and brother-in-law of the late Dorice Narbonne and Oscar Carignan, Teresa Oliveira. He was also the father-in-law- of the late Donald Brousseau, Jr. Family and Friends can call at FAY MCCABE FUNERAL HOME 105 MOORE STREET LOWELL, on TUESDAY from 4 until 8 PM, with a brief prayer service at 7 pm. BILL’s FUNERAL will take place WEDNESDAY MORNING at 11 o’clock in the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Westlawn II Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in Bill’s name to the charity of your choice. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS 978-459-9222 www.faymccabe.com

Mr. William "Bill" Oliver

June 1, 1925 - August 4, 2022