Jerome Charles "Jerry" Olivera of Lompoc, California passed away at Long Beach Memorial Hospital on Monday the 30th of September 2024 with his family by his side—he was 55 years old. Though he faced his share of challenges, he never let grim circumstances overshadow the beauty he saw in life. His positive attitude and uncompromising light were renowned to everyone that had the good grace of knowing him and his unforgettably beautiful soul.

Jerry was born to parents Marguerite Joan Olivera and James Basil "Jim" Olivera III, on the 10th of January in the year 1969. He was the youngest of six children. He was an alumnus of Lompoc High School and the University of California, Santa Barbara. He first faced his mortality in his teenage years when diagnosed with a life threatening illness—a battle in which he beat the odds and came out victorious. Maybe it was these very serious circumstances at such an early age that sparked his incomparable passion, but he carried his passions everywhere and his heart on his sleeve for all to see. He was extremely passionate in his feelings towards animals, the environment and all living things. He excelled in school from a young age and felt strongly about the importance of education. He loved mechanics and engineering. He loved music. He loved to cook, and he loved to share good food with good company. The only passion greater, was his love for his family and friends. He was at every event, as the best dressed, bearing the best gifts and a contagious smile that brightened every room. He was there for the good times and the bad. He was there for every holiday, funeral, graduation, or wedding (even the best man to many different grooms on countless wedding days). He was there for everyone. From the bottom of his heart—he truly cared, with room in his heart for all.

He is survived by his mother Joan Olivera, his sisters Jeanette Olivera and Julie Zandonatti, his brothers John Olivera and Jeffrey Olivera, his cousins Teresa Miller and Karl Miller, beloved nieces and nephews that he took great pride in, and his long time dear friend Maya Contreras. In heaven he joins his father "Jim", brother Joseph, aunt Aileen Miller and niece Alexa Olivera.

You may not be here with us today, but we will meet again in a different time and place. Thank you for sharing your wonderful life with each and every one of us. You truly are a gift Jerry, and we are forever grateful.

October 25th 6pm Rosary at:

Starbuck-Lind Mortuary

123 N A St, Lompoc, CA 93436

October 26th 9am Funeral at:

La Purisima Catholic Church with burial to follow at Lompoc Cemetery

213 W Olive Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436

Celebration of Life October 26th at:

Schuyler's River Bottom Ranch

1330 East Barton Avenue, Lompoc CA 93436

The family would like any donations to be made to:

Lompoc High School Alumni Association

P.O. Box 1146

Lompoc, CA 93438