- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Frank J Olivo
“No man is a failure who has friends.” This sentiment perfectly captures the spirit of the man Frank Olivo was as he truly lived a Wonderful Life.
Born and raised by Italian immigrants, Frank fulfilled the American Dream his parents wanted for him.
Throughout his 85 years, he amassed an incredible wealth of family and friends. Whether it was a kind word or welcoming smile, Frank was the type of person women were drawn to and many men wished to emulate. He inspired others with his life’s philosophy of putting others needs and desires before his own.
His passion for life was expressed through every note he played on his beloved saxophone. Whether playing with his army band to inspire his patriotic brethren or at clubs and weddings with his bands, the Jive Bombers and, later, the Twilighters, Frank strove to make the world a better place one song at a time.
He is survived by his loving wife, Genevieve, whom he courted while employed by Conrail. Together they raised nine children, most notably his son, Jeffrey Olivo of Delran, his daughter, Kellie Laidley of Abington, and his son-in-law, Louis Laidley of Abington. Frank had 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was especially close with his grandson, Christopher Laidley, who became the love of his life in his golden years. With increasingly failing health, Christopher kept his Pop Pop’s spirits high. Whether chasing each other around the house or taking walks, Christopher always assured family members not to worry, he would hold his hand and not lose him. They shared a special relationship we all wish to have in our lifetime. Frank passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on Wednesday morning, March 5th.
Come celebrate 85 musically significant years (February 13, 1929 – March 5, 2014) on Tuesday 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday 10 – 11 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Interment St. Peter’s cemetery, Riverside. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
2 Comments
Of all the musicians I’ve worked with over the 50 years I played, Frankie was without a doubt the most fun to work with. Frank was not only a good player, but he kept the band’s tempo up in more ways than one. Each job, whether it was a VFW, Moose, or a wedding, was a pure pleasure when working with Frank. I played with the Twilghters with Henry Heinrichs on drums and banjo, Joe Alesik or Paul Heinrichs on Cordovox, Ray Schmierer on Trumpet , me on bass and vocals, and of course, the soul of the band, Frankie, on sax. Frank would make me laugh while I was singing a love song or he would get down and dirty with a sax solo that the great Sam Butera or George Young would envy. But music was a sideline for Frankie, his first love was his family. As much as Frankie loved to play, it never got in the way of a important family event. That was the only thing that Frank ever prevented him from playing. If I had a rough day and was in a bad mood when I got to a job, the minute Frankie took the stage with me, all that was gone, he could change my mood immediately and turn me around just by being there. I lost contact with Frankie over the years and that’s my loss, but I thought of him and the guys often and those thoughts and moments sustain me. God Bless you buddy and I’m sure your sitting first chair in the best band in the universe. My deepest sympathy to Frankie’s family, you lost a huge little guy who had a huge heart. We were all very lucky to have shared him.
I worked with Frank at Citizen’s Bank Park. He was such a pleasant gentleman; always smiling. It was a pleasure to work with him.
My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.