MICHAEL (MIKE) ANTONIO OLIVIERI
April 9, 1931 - June 6, 2022
Never having known severe illness, Michael (Mike) Antonio Olivieri took his last living breath in the comfort of his own home on June 6, 2022. Doleful since the loss of his wife of 62 years, Bobbie Jo Olivieri, in 2016, he departed this life in search of the next at the age of 91.
Born April 9, 1931 in Bakersfield, California, Mike was brought into this world by Antonio and Guiseppina Olivieri, both Southern Italians who left their native land for the United States in search of a better life. The baby of the family, Mike had four brothers and sisters - Charles, Jessie, Mary, and Emma. Having grown up on his family's farm, Mike woke up with the chickens and fed the animals before school, instilling in him a dedicated work ethic and a preference for the early hours of the day. A lifelong resident of East Bakersfield, Mike attended Fairfax Elementary School and went on to graduate from Kern High School, where he was a star athlete on the Track and Field as well as Gymnastics team. After high school, Mike aspired to earn a college degree and took classes at Bakersfield College. The working man in him, however, quickly decided to trade in his pen and notebook for paid employment at Motor Center, where he earned what was then a good wage of 65 cents per hour. Drafted for the Korean War, Mike served as a Captain's orderly in the United States Navy. Stationed in Japan, he wrote many a love letter to his future wife, telling her stories of life on deck and in the East. Once back home, Mike married Bobbie in 1954 and eventually had three children of which he was equally proud: Vicki, Michael, and Anthony. Entering into the world of automotive dealerships just before the war, Mike dedicated nearly his entire professional life to Three-Way Chevrolet, steadily climbing the ranks from floor sweeper to car salesman to manager, and then to back to sales in the fleet department to regain contact with customers. In his 55 years at Three-Way, Mike was recognized multiple times as salesman of the year and in 1973 had the honor of being the first salesperson from Three-Way to be inducted into the Chevrolet Legend of Leaders Hall of Honor.#r.
A man of the land, Mike loved tending to his garden and sharing his harvests of tomatoes, grapes, figs, and persimmons with his loved ones. He loved to BBQ, enjoy a good drink, and made sure everyone around him had plenty and enjoyed themselves. There were no strangers at the Olivieri home; everyone was welcome. To many, Mike played an adoptive father role, which he graciously embraced. Much of his summers, vacations, and eventually retirement years were spent camping, boating, and fishing in the company of his family and close friends. Whether at Lake Isabelle, Lake Lopez or elsewhere, Mike taught every one of his grandchildren how to cast a fishing pole and, for the willing, how to gut a fish. Mexico and Europe were no stranger to his footsteps, gifting to him many local delicacies and entertaining moments. Skilled in the art of frugality, Mike was a modest man who never showed off, was generous with this time, and made it a point to reward hard work. Fond of animals, Mike had a special place in his heart and on his lap for his dogs, especially Gypsy Rose who kept him company in Bobbie's absence.
He is survived by his sister Emma Gaines; his three children and their respective companions: Vicki Beerli and Larry Munoz, Michael and Juanita Olivieri, and Anthony and Jana Olivieri; his nine grandchildren and their respective partners: Michael (Mikey) Olivieri, Hillary Olivieri, Monique Beerli and Tristan Jacques, Anthony Olivieri, Alec and Kayla Olivieri, Alexandra (Ali) Beerli, Justin and Tonya Olivieri, Michelle Beerli and Valerio Burlizzi, and Giana Olivieri and Aaron Stonelake. A lover of babies, Mike was also great-grandfather to Xander and Lillyana Olivieri; Easton, Austin and Shelby Olivieri; Cali and Carter Olivieri; and Eugene Jacques. In Mike's final years, Benicia Palacios took care of him, with the eventual help of Miriam and Solana Ruiz and Madison Mullens.
For those that wish to say adieu, a viewing will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary on Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 4pm to 8pm, with a rosary prayer service at 6pm. A private graveside service will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you donate to the Elks National Foundation, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Adopt-a-Creek, St. Joseph's Church, or a charity of your choosing.
Mike would often say to Bobbie, “I'm going to live forever, and you're never going to die.” Though his body may no longer be of this earth, he lives on in the lessons he taught us and in the memories of him that we will always hold in our hearts.