Charles Martin Oliveri

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles Martin Oliveri, 72, a retired Vietnam War Air Force veteran, who was always young-at-heart with a contagious laugh that lit up a room. He passed away peacefully the morning of Jan. 21, 2024, at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL.  

 
We find solace knowing that Charles has been reunited with loved ones gone before him including his parents, Charles Oliveri and Liboria Oliveri (Giambrone). He is survived by a large, extended Sicilian-American family (Oliveri-Giambrone-Cirone-Cummuta) with whom was his foundation and support throughout his life. He leaves behind cherished memories of family gatherings filled with jokes, games (cards/chess), and delish food.  

 
To only name a few, he is survived by his beloved daughter Shauna Oliveri, son-in-law Reinaldo Ramos, adored grandchildren Kai, Asia, Ani Joy, and step-grandchildren Reinaldo, Celica, Chris Ramos. His loving and devoted sister Marie and brothers John and Michael Oliveri along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in laws who loved him very dearly.  

Charles attended Queen of Angels grammar school on the northside of Chicago, with his siblings and cousins. Afterwards he attended Amundsen High School. As a young adult he enlisted in the Air Force and served overseas in the Vietnam War, stationed in Thailand. Upon his return, he was married, became a father, held various jobs including a guidance counselor for the Veterans Administration and a real estate agent.  

In his later years, he was able to watch his grandchildren grow up to young adulthood. They have found memories of their grandfather teaching them the skills of mediation, chess, and the world of fantasy.

He was an avid Chicago sports fan, music/action film enthusiast, and art lover. He specifically enjoyed drawing mythical creatures like dragons and fantasy characters like Spiderman, no-Face from Spirited Away, and the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland. He also loved jokes and frequently shared ones he thought were funny on Facebook. 

He had a humble, spiritual side that focused on daily meditation, weekly reflection on varies books and loved to pray the Rosary with family on a regular basis.

Even though he is now in spirit, we imagine him like the Cheshire cat, smiling his infectious smile, laughing his contagious laugh, and reappearing throughout our lives in the most magical ways to remind us not to take life so seriously and to live in the moment.  

On March 21st, 2024, which is also Chuck's father's birthday, we will have a mass at Queen of Angel's, the families church, and interment at St. Joseph Cemetery where he will be joined with his father who he missed dearly as he passed away early when Chuck was a boy. 

The final details:

Although we mourn his loss, let us celebrate Chuck's life. Please share memories/pictures in the guestbook below.