Harold "Skip" Oliver Beloved husband, father, grandfather CANANDAIGUA - Harold "Skip" Oliver, age 83, of Park Street, passed away April 26, 2012, after a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rita Oliver; two children, Deborah (Stephen) Townsend and Robert (Barbara) Oliver; four grandchildren, Elizabeth and Alice Townsend, Michael (Amanda) Oliver and Brian Oliver; and several nieces and nephews. Skip was born in Milford, Mass. and was the son of Harold and Elizabeth (Daily) Oliver. A patriot at an early age, Skip made the local papers by trying to join the U.S. Navy when he was only 16. As soon as he came of age, he immediately enlisted and was sent to the South Pacific. In addition to his Navy service, he was also a member of American Legion Post 256, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 4 and St. Mary's Church. Skip coached youth sports in Canandaigua, including hockey, baseball and football. He was also involved in community access television and was a volunteer for the United Way. Skip was a fixture at the city council meetings until his illness, at which time he watched the proceedings on local television. He enjoyed his work at Colt Industries as a senior internal auditor, traveling throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Australia. Skip was later promoted to vice president of European operations, with extended trips to Europe, and was often accompanied by Rita, who shared his love of travel. During his retirement, he met balloonist Sean Quigley and discovered hot air ballooning. He and Rita were frequent crew members for Sean, which produced many great memories. Throughout his declining health, he maintained his upbeat attitude and great sense of humor. There will be no calling hours. His memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 19, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 95 N. Main St., Canandaigua. Interment will be in Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Romulus. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home Inc., Canandaigua. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.

-Published in MPNnow on May 3, 2012