William Alfred Oliveira

Wednesday, July 20, 2016 - 11:06am

Born in Lemoore on July 23, 1929 on what is now called “The Jack Stone Ranch,” William Alfred Oliveira was the fifth child of nine of Azorean immigrants, A. P. Oliveira and Virginia Simoes. He grew up with his first language, Portuguese. He learned English with his siblings Tony, Mary, John, Virginia, Velma, Lena, Nancy, and Alvin, while attending the local Lemoore schools.

He was drafted into the Army in 1950 and served on the front lines of the Korean War. He married Margaret “Okie” Toledo in 1953. He was the father of six girls and one boy: Joan (Ethan) Ruch, Jane Freitas, Janice (Stan) Barry, Julie (Gary) Zanola, Jenifer Whipkey, Margaret (Kirk) Doyle, and William Jr. (Amber) Oliveira. He has 19 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

He was a dairy farmer and rancher in Lemoore. Poppa, as he was called, was a loyal husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

He died peacefully surrounded by family on July 15, 2016, a few days before his 87th birthday.

A huge thank you to the Hanford Hacienda Health Care nurses and staff. You were loving and amazing to him and we love you!

Visitation will be Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at Phipps-Dale Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 9 a.m. Friday at St. Peter's Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Lemoore Cemetery.

William Alfred Oliveira

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