Dr. John G. Oliverio
June 24, 1928 ~ March 6, 2018
Dr. John G. Oliverio passed peacefully and joined his beloved Edie in heaven on the morning of March 6th at the age of 89. John was, first and foremost, a devoted family man. He and his sweetheart, Edie Romano Oliverio, who were married 63 years, lovingly raised a family that today consists of five sons and daughters (Gabe, Dave, John Jr., Duby, and Mary), seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
John also dedicated his life to education. He received his B.S. from West Virginia University, his M.A. from George Washington University, and his Ph.D. from Walden University. In 1963, “Dr. O,” as he was affectionately known, started his 48-year career in public education. Beginning at W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, VA and ending as an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University, Dr. O influenced thousands of young minds across the Northern Virginia as an educator, administrator, and principal.
Visitation and Prayer services for John will be held from 6-8pm on Friday, March 9th at Money and King Funeral Home (171 W. Maple Ave, Vienna, VA). A Graveside service will be at 9 am on Saturday, March 10th at Chestnut Grove Cemetery (831 Dranesville Rd, Herndon, VA).
John also dedicated his life to education. He received his B.S. from West Virginia University, his M.A. from George Washington University, and his Ph.D. from Walden University. In 1963, “Dr. O,” as he was affectionately known, started his 48-year career in public education. Beginning at W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, VA and ending as an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University, Dr. O influenced thousands of young minds across the Northern Virginia as an educator, administrator, and principal.
Visitation and Prayer services for John will be held from 6-8pm on Friday, March 9th at Money and King Funeral Home (171 W. Maple Ave, Vienna, VA). A Graveside service will be at 9 am on Saturday, March 10th at Chestnut Grove Cemetery (831 Dranesville Rd, Herndon, VA).
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I have fond memories of Dr. O. at W.T. Woodson High School where Dr. O taught and coached, but always had a smile for any of us whether we were in his class or in a sport. I graduated with Dave Oliverio in 1967, but remember all the family while attending Woodson. Your Dad was such a wonderful and well-respected man. I know he will be missed by all. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Dale Morgan
As a student at Woodson, I had the good fortune to have the then Mr. O as a teacher. I can still recall his interaction and skills in working with kids, a teacher I never saw flustered or unable to guide students. I returned to work in the school system and had the pleasure to work with Dr. O several different times, the last being one of his post retirement returns to fill in where he was needed. He was a remarkable gentleman who continued to guide people with his knowledge and caring. Dr. O was great at telling stories, often funny, and most often to exert moral influence. He was a great tribute to his profession, and his family. Doug Holmes
I remember Dr. John Oliverio well from my days attending Woodson HS. I would most often see him during my p.e. classes and in the hallways. He was a handsome and approachable person who was really good with the students.
I found out just how approachable he was one afternoon in 1966, right after I pulled off part of the left rear bumper of his VW Beetle with the front right bumper of my Ford Falcon column shift car. The walk back into the school to find him and tell him was one of the most difficult things I had to do as a teen. I found him in the gym, shooting baskets. He was really tall and I was not so much. I was so grateful that he took the news well. My parents paid him from money I earned to pay for the repair.
Years later, I would often run into him as he ‘subbed’ in many schools across the county, as a teacher but most often as an administrator. I was an administrator with FCPS and our paths would periodically pass, especially at Woodson. I’d often see him at the WTW basketball games, often with his wife before she passed. His sons played there in the 60’s and some called it the ‘Oliverio Dynasty’ because they were really good and played for so many years. I have fond memories of Dr. John that will stay with me. I can only imagine how much he will be missed. My love and condolences go out to his remaining family.
To the Oliverio family I send my sincere condolences. My heartfelt thoughts are with you and I regret not being there for his services to pay my respects.
Coach Oliverio was the most influential man in my life. He taught me values and gave me self confidence that I could do anything I set my mind to do. Academically I was just an average student at WT Woodson HS. But, Coach Oliverio made the difference in my life that got me accepted in college where I excelled academically and in sports and I shall always remember him for his inspiration. After college I continued to find success with a wonderful career as an Army officer. So, I hope that I fulfilled his expectations of me with his inscription in my yearbook “Much success to my top student”.
As a guest at his apartment close to the beltway in Annandale, I met all of his large family. I remember that he was especially proud of oldest son Gabe, who was then blooming as a basketball star as a junior, Class of 65.
Coach Oliverio was a wonderful man who inspired many young men to realize their potential. I loved him as a student and carry that love with me in my memories of him. I was blessed to have known him.
Mickey La Garde, Fort Walton Beach, FL
Class of ’64, WT Woodson HS
I did not personally know Dr. Oliverio, but saw his very impressive obituary and wanted to pass along my deepest condolences to the family. I remember years ago competing against both Gabe, and Dave in some hard fought basketball games, and I suspect much of the the character, and tenacity they always displayed was a direct result of their father’s positive influence. May he rest in peace….
Mike McKinley
Dr. O was a great man and one fine principle. I had the honor of getting to know him at Hayfield secondary back in the early 70’s. He will be missed by many. My condolences and prayers go out to the family.
I remember Dr O from Hayfield Secondary, he was always pleasant, very kind & soft spoken
I graduated in 1974, but I can still picture him standing in the hallway.