Anthony J. Olivieri

Antonio Olivieri, known to most as "Tony", was born on December 23, 1939 in the small town of Colledimezzo, in the Abruzzi region of Italy. He was the first child born to his parents Nicola and Ersilia Olivieri.

His father migrated to the United States in March of 1939 to look for work and housing, expecting his wife to join him a few months later, but not knowing that his wife was pregnant. As it turned out, World War II began shortly thereafter, and because there were no transatlantic crossings during the war, Tony would not meet his father for the first time until almost eight years later.

He and his mother left Italy on a ship from Naples and arrived in New York on May 19, 1947. While he completed some schooling in Italy, upon beginning his education at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Elmsford, his lack of any fluency with the English language necessitated that he start over from the first grade. (It is for this reason that he holds the record for the only person attending Mount Carmel to drive to school in the 8th grade). He loved running errands for the sisters at the school, and this relationship led to a love and admiration for them and the parish of OLMC which remained incredibly strong until his passing. He attended Washington Irving High School in Tarrytown but never completed his education there. His father's recent purchase of a backhoe drew Tony, who did not have a great affinity for school, to every opportunity to cut school and do what he knew best... work.

He met his wife, Angela DioGuardi ("Angel") in August of 1957. Her family had just moved up to Westchester from the Bronx. He always said "it was love at first sight" and he knew that she was the girl he was going to marry the first time he saw her. They were married at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in October of 1963 and went on to have two children, Lisa born in 1964 and Anthony in 1967.

Having already established themselves as excavating contractors by the late 1950's, Tony, his brother Roger and his father reorganized and incorporated their business as Olivieri Construction Corp. in 1972. Tony retired from the corporation in 1994. Olivieri Construction Corp. still operates today with Tony's younger brother Roger as Owner and President.

Taking a cue from the charitable nature of his father, Tony remained active in many charitable and non-profit organizations through the years. He was a member of the American Italian Club since its re-inception in 1964. He formerly served as a member of the Elmsford Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Westchester Diabetes Association when it was started in the early 1970's. He was also very active in the Kiwanis Club of Elmsford, serving as it's Scholarship Chairman for many years. He was a long-time member of the Holy Name Society at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, and a member of the Parish Council.

After retirement, Tony spent much of his time at his home in Rhode Island which he and Angel purchased in 1989, where he dedicated much of his time to being outdoors as an avid gardener. He made many new friends in Rhode Island, some of whom would just stop to smell the roses which spilled over the fence in front of his house, He received a Beautification Award from the Misquamicut, RI community board for the reconstruction of the house and property, which was built in 1929 and was in very poor condition upon his purchasing it. He and Angel hosted many guests at the house which they enjoyed immensely until selling it in 2023.

Tony loved being surrounded by his family including his wife, his children and his grandchildren. They loved hearing stories about his childhood in Italy and his being there during World War II. Some years ago he was able to take his wife, children and grandchildren back to the place where he was born, a trip which created memories that they will cherish forever. In his final years, Tony dedicated his life and energy to care for Angel, who unfortunately developed a form of dementia which severely diminished her mobility and mental capacity.

Tony is survived by his wife Angela, his children Lisa Lattarulo (Joe) and Anthony Olivieri (Andrea); grandchildren Samantha (Anthony), Nicole, Mandy, Joey and Ashley, He is also survived by his brother Roger Olivieri (Sandra) of Wappingers Falls, NY and his sister Teresa Alfero (Frank) of Fort Mill, SC , as well as many cousins and close friends. He was preceded in death by his father Nicola in 2002 and his mother Ersilia in 2016.

With a strong faith in God, love of country and dedication to his family, Tony will be remembered as a man of great simplicity and humility, with a broad sense of placing value on things that cost very little... relationships, character and honesty. To his family, he will remain a guiding light in a world that needs more men like him.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.