Obituary of Robert Thomas Oliver

Robert Thomas Oliver, 79, of Campbell Hall, NY, died peacefully surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer, on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Orange Regional Medical Center, Middletown, NY. Robert was born October 18, 1935 in New York, NY, and was raised in Palisades Park, NJ. He was the son of William J. Oliver, Sr. and Frances (Muller) Oliver and the husband of Elizabeth A. McDermott Oliver. Bob was a long time car enthusiast, having worked in the automotive industry for most of his life. He worked for Volkswagon of America for 20 years, in both sales and service. Bob also owned his own auto body shop for many years and loved restoring antique cars. Bob served 6 years in the Army National Guard; he was a 20 year member of the Otterkill Engine Co.; past Captain of the Fire Police (OEC); Fireman of the year in 2005 (OEC); former member Board of Commissioners of Hamptonburgh; past VP Hamptonburgh Seniors; Owner of LuJon's Ice Cream, Maybrook, NY; and a recognized artist and member of the Wallkill River School of Art. A 30 year resident of Campbell Hall, NY, he is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Oliver at home; daughters, Dawn Ansbro and husband James of Goshen, Donna Ellerson and husband Vince of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, and Debra Mariniello and husband Anthony of Rowley, MA; stepchildren, Donald Schier and wife Joyce of Montgomery, NY, Christopher Schier of Washingtonville, and Leslie Carroll and husband Robert of Campbell Hall, NY; 11 grandchildren, Kristen, Cori, Kyle, Savannah, Anthony, Samantha, D.J., Tyler, Jessica, Brian and Kimberlee; 2 nephews William and Wayne Oliver. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, William Oliver, Jr. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 21, 2015 from 2 to 4 PM & 7 to 9 PM at Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., 82 South Church Street, Goshen, NY. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at St. John The Evangelist R.C. Church, 71 Murray Ave, Goshen, NY. Burial will follow in Hamptonburgh Cemetery, Campbell Hall, NY. Bob was an artist all his life, including the design and cover of his high school yearbook and culminating in his art exhibits at the Wallkill River School. In lieu of flowers, to honor Bob's passion for art, donations in his name can be made to the Wallkill River School of Art, 232 Ward Street, Montgomery, NY 12549. Enjoying a glass of scotch in his name is also acceptable! Arrangements under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., Goshen. To leave the family a personal condolence, please visit www.donovanfunerals.com