World War II veteran given final South Florida farewell

A 95-year-old World War II veteran was given a final South Florida farewell as his body was placed on a New York-bound flight Saturday at Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport.

Frank James Oliva, originally from Brooklyn, called Davie home for the last years of his life. He was a participant in the Honor Flight South Florida effort, which pays tribute to military veterans with trips to Washington, D.C., memorials dedicated to them.

Oliva will be buried alongside his wife at the Long Island National Cemetery, said Linda Lombardi, Oliva’s niece. But first he was given a special goodbye Saturday with members of the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue and airport officials standing at attention on the tarmac as his casket, draped with an American flag, was placed on the plane.

Oliva, who was in the U.S. Army’s 473rd Infantry, Fifth Army, served in Italy and North Africa. He later became a longshoreman in Brooklyn for more than 40 years. Oliva was predeceased by his twin brother, James Frank Oliva, who was also in the Army.

“Uncle Frank,” who died Nov. 26, often crossed paths with appreciative South Florida strangers who stopped to thank him for his service, his niece said. He basked in their gratitude, a sentiment he rarely saw in his own hometown, and proudly wore a black cap with gold letters proclaiming he was a World War II veteran, she said.

As he prepared to board his Honor Flight in April 2015, Oliva and other veterans were touched by the cheering crowds and display of flags and patriotism.

“They’re either crying or they’re in shock. It’s beautiful,” Lombardi said. “Uncle Frank said this was the proudest day of his life.”

Organizers conducted a mail call on the plane, as they used to do when the men were in the service. Oliva came home with 30 letters, some from friends and relatives and others from thankful strangers. His wish, Lombardi said: “I want to be buried with those letters.”

“So he will be,” she said.

HONOR FLIGHT SOUTH FLORIDA/ COURTESY Frank James Oliva’s body was placed on a New Yorkbound flight Saturday.