Donald F. Oliver, 92, of New Bedford passed away Sunday February 7, 2021 after a period of declining health. He was the husband of the late Carmen L. (Morales) Oliver and Winifred (Lammers) Oliver.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Garrison L. and Ethel F. (Saxon) Oliver, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
He was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church.
Donald was formerly employed as a postal clerk for the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement. He later worked for the Standard-Times newspaper in New Bedford.
Donald attended New Bedford Vocational High School, where he was later inducted into their Sports Hall of Fame for his football career. During the Korean War, he served in the Army. He was an honored member of the Union Lodge #4, F. & A.M. He loved to play and sing Gospel hymns on the piano.
He is survived by his children, Gregory Oliver and wife Laverne, Dawn Whatley, and Judith Clark and her companion Jaime Gonzalez, his sister, Barbara Stafford; his grandchildren Stacey and Louis Whatley, Jenny Alcide and husband Ronaldo, Megan and Oryann Oliver, Alisha Ramos and her husband Jose, Donelle Clark, Anthony Rather, Courtnee Todman, and Jeffrey and Adam Clark; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his children, Stacey Ann Oliver and Anthony Oliver; his son-in-law, Ernie Whatley; and his siblings, his twin David F. Oliver, Eugene R. Oliver, Philip E. Oliver, Sylvia Nunnally, Rosamond Oliver, Hubert V. Oliver, Muriel Simpson, Crystal Oliver, Garrison Oliver, Jr., Ellsworth Oliver and Gwendolyn Hilliard.
His visitation will be held on Saturday February 13, 2021 from 5-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Due to current gathering restrictions, his funeral service and burial will be private. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Please be advised that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are strict guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of everyone. You MUST wear a mask and practice social distancing. Guests will be permitted to pay their respects and depart to allow the next guests to enter. Capacity at the funeral home will be limited so there could be wait times outside the funeral home. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.