Obituary of David William Oliver

David entered the world at home in Kenilworth, PA, on June 4, 1939. He was a big baby weighing in at approximately 13 lbs. He was the third son of Hanley B. and Selah Oliver who also had two daughters, Linwood, Maurice, Dorothy and Kathleen completed the family. All grew up in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and, after high school, ventured out into the world, each in their individual pursuits and ways. Joining the U.S. Navy right out of Pottstown High School where he excelled in music, especially the trombone and his personal jazz band the “High Fives.” Many nights David throughout high school he played his trombone with the famous dance band at Sunnybrook Pavilion whose music was broadcast live to listeners across the U.S. David soon demonstrated his outstanding music talents, both on instrument, voice and conducting. The Navy sent him to the renown U.S. Navy School of Music from which he graduated first in his class. He did sea duty and was stationed in Japan for three years. With the Vietnam conflict, he was assigned to the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier (CVS-11) experiencing combat service. David received the Navy Commendation Medal for Outstanding Performance during the conflict period of 1968-69. In 1970 David attended the Newport Navel School Command and upon completion he was assigned to the USN Academy, Annapolis MD. After a period of time, he was assigned to the Orlando Navel Air Station where he was promoted to LTJG. In 1973 when Disney was in full swing in Orlando, they recruited David to join the Disney Team as the Music Director. He decided to resign from the USN and joined the Disney challenge. After two years, David decided to branch out into other ventures in the music world. The rest is history. David was a humble man who never espoused his fantastic music career and education. However, every individual who knew him will tell you that he was the best trombonist they’ve ever worked with, and all knew he had a beautiful voice that he could recall more songs which he sang continually to himself and anyone who would listen. Just ask the customers who shopped at the Hospice Thrift Store on Barton Blvd. in Rockledge, FL where he worked the last eight years of his work life – even after cancer began its hold on his body. He went to radiation on his lunch break and was back at work on time! David fought the brave battle of his life against the big “C” for over 15 years. David fell in love with a St. Louis girl (Pat Estes) and married her in 1984 in Rockledge, FL. They celebrated 33 years of love on July 20, 2017. Dave was a member of the Open Door United Methodist Church, Cocoa and Past Post Commander VFW Rocket Post 4534, Rockledge, FL. He leaves behind his children Erik and Michelle Oliver, stepson Rev. Phillip Estes and several grandchildren, all who loved him dearly. David will be laid to rest with Military Honors at a later date.