Dennis W. "Denny" Oliver

Dennis Walter “Denny” Oliver, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on December 8, 1942 to the late Joseph and Stella Oliver.  Denny lived a life full of love, adventure, and simple joys.

Denny was first married to Gloria Jean Hilton Oliver, and together they had three daughters: Darcie Jo Lantz, Karie Sue Parker, and Melissa Michelle Oliver. Brother of Anna Mae Mathias, Joseph Oliver, Jr., James Oliver and the late Louise Mulholland and Matthew Oliver.  He was a proud grandfather to Alexandra Zimbicki, Jacob Zimbicki, Joshua Zimbicki, and Clayton Oliver Lantz.

For the past 42 years, Denny was the devoted husband of Carolynn June Rahner Oliver. Their loving union blended their families, adding two step-sons, Ronald Newsome (deceased) and Kenneth Newsome, an additional 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Denny worked in various fields, always bringing his hard work and creativity to everything he did. He worked for TWA, was a co-owner of Eagle Builders, a remodeling and home-building company, and later pursued his passion for woodworking by opening his own framing business, The Black Swan Art Gallery in Carnegie, PA.

Denny had a deep love for life’s simple pleasures. His greatest joy was standing waist-deep in the Gulf waters on Honeymoon Island FL, fishing for hours. An avid baker, his kitchen was always filled with the warm aroma of apple dumplings, the “best” blueberry muffins, and banana bread—always accompanied by a hot cup of 8 O’Clock Coffee. If he wasn’t making his famous Wedding Soup, he was in the kitchen perfecting cream puffs, biscotti, or pizzelles, always sharing his love through food.

He also had a passion for golf and travel, making cherished memories with his daughters. Italy, especially the breathtaking hill towns of Cinque Terre, was one of his favorite destinations.

Denny could never resist a trip to the casino, drawn to the excitement and thrill of the slot machines. His last great adventure was a trip to The Meadows, where he got in one final push of the slot machine—just one more spin, one more chance at the jackpot.

If the television was on, Denny could be found watching one of his two favorite movies, Seabiscuit or The Godfather, or catching a game of his beloved Pittsburgh Pirates. He also enjoyed the humor of The Big Bang Theory, never tiring of a good Shelton laugh.

Denny’s warmth, adventurous spirit, and love for his family will be deeply missed but forever cherished by those who knew and loved him.

At his request, there will be no visitation.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name, may be made to Kane Community Living Center--Scott, 300 Kane Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA  15243.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis W. "Denny" Oliver, please visit our floral store.