NORWICH – Lynn Robert Oliver, 85, of Norwich, passed away on Oct. 25, 2007, also his 60th wedding anniversary, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital of Norwich.
Born in Meredith, in September of 1922, Lynn was the son of Ralph S. and Margaret (Engel) Oliver. He grew up in the Delhi area where he attended local schools, and began his working years with Agway’s predecessor, Grange League Federation (GLF). He also worked with his brothers on a milk route and in a farm supply business. In November of 1942, Lynn joined the United States Army Air Corps and served during World War II, teaching pilots to fly blind using radio waves. He worked hard to teach himself radio technology during his military stint, and would build on this education during the remainder of his working years. With his honorable discharge in February of 1946, Lynn returned home to Delhi. After his marriage to Aline Patrick on Oct. 25, 1947, in Oneonta, he and Aline owned and operated a radio and appliance sales and repair service in Delhi for a few years before Lynn began his 34-year career with GLA. Working from 1950 through January of 1985, Lynn retired as a Quality Technology Engineer.
Following his retirement, Lynn enjoyed traveling with Aline, including several trips to Arizona and Florida, eventually opting to spend winters in Florida. He was an avid bluegrass music fan who helped promote the Norwich Bluegrass Festival. A member and past president (1993-94) of the Lions Club in Davenport, Fla., he had been a very active member of the Norwich Elks BPOE 1222 lodge, where he served as Exalted Ruler (1973-74), and District Deputy for the Grand Exalted Ruler. Lynn also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Lynn is survived by his wife, Aline Oliver of Norwich; his children: Linda Graves and husband Bill of North Syracuse, Greg Oliver and wife Mary of Schenectady, Ralph Oliver and wife Shelia of Davenport, Fla.; Edward Oliver and wife Donna of Plant City, Fla.; Betty Yaichuk and husband Pete of Groton, and Marie Sabo and husband John of New Milford, Conn.; by 18 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and his beloved dog and best friend, Ollie. Lynn is also survived by his sisters and brother: Mabelle Dunbar and husband Ned of Laurens, Jean Cole and husband Art of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and R. William Oliver and wife Corinne of Delhi; and was predeceased by his brothers, James and Rex.
Funeral services for Lynn were held at 1 p.m. Monday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Jeff Hale, Pastor of the Broad Street United Methodist Church, officiated. Interment with full military rites will followed in Mt. Hope Cemetery. At 12:45 p.m., members of the Norwich Elks Lodge BOPW 1222 conducted a prayer service.
Friends called at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., 401 Hayes Ave., Endicott, NY 13760; to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 5005 LBJ Fwy., Ste 250, Dallas, TX 75244; or by a check payable to Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, Inc., and mailed to 14 Technology Dr., Suite 4, Setaukey, NY 11733.