Luciano Olivar Jr. Obituary

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Luciano “Luce” Olivar announces his passing on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 in Fresno, California at the age of 69.

Born January 7, 1952 on the day of his father’s 33’rd birthday the Olivar Family of Luciano and Maria de Jesus Olivar and their 3 daughters of Fresno, California were blessed with a son and brother. Although his parents preceded him in death, each and every day their strong work ethics, compassion, fighting spirit and love of family inspired their son daily.

Luciano was an amazing and loving husband for 48 years to his wife Teri, the love of his life and best friend. He was a proud father of 2 daughters, 3 granddaughters, 1 great-granddaughter and son-in-law that he loved with all of his heart. Luciano’s sister, Chilo was more than a big sister to him. She comforted him throughout his childhood and teenage years when times were tough for their family, and always in his corner throughout his life, of which he was so grateful and thankful for.

Luciano was a member of the McLane High School Class of 1970. He attended Fresno City College where he completed his Sheet Metal Apprenticeship courses. He later went on to become a member of the Central Labor Council, a Charter Member of the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association President’s Club, and a member of Fresno’s Sheet Metal Workers Retiree Club.

On April 1, 1973, Luciano joined the Sheet Metal Workers International Union. That decision would forever change his life and the life of his family. He became an active and involved member almost immediately thanks to the kindness and caring of Ray Shilling, Jim Pipes, and Veda Hall. The first union shop Luciano worked for was Carter & Sons. Soon after that, Tony Bongiorno opened Environmental Aire where Luciano and Teri were always treated like family. Years later, Luciano worked for New England Sheet Metal.

After working many years with the tools of the trade he ran for and was elected as the Sheet Metal Workers’ Union Business Representative, Health Care and Pension Trustee for the Counties of Fresno, Madera, Tulare and Kings. It was so much more than a job to Luciano. He took his oath to the position seriously. He pledged to always serve and support the area members’ best interests foremost, and to proudly represent his Union with pride and the basic ideals that labor unions were founded upon.

Organizing was his passion. Luciano and Frank Flores lived by the motto “Turn’em or Burn’em” and they did. Luce kept “his guys” informed, active, and involved through monthly meetings, barbeques, picket lines, fishing tournaments, golf tournaments, a softball team, and an open-door policy.

Unfortunately, Luciano’s parents and youngest sister Graciela (Gracie) Olivar were not here physically to see his accomplishments that he achieved throughout his life, but we believe they sent blessings and watched over him every day.

Luciano is survived by his loving and devoted wife Teri Olivar, his 2 daughters Michele Olivar and Tracy Olivar-Tafoya and her husband Marcus Tafoya. He is also survived by his granddaughters Francessca Olivar, Anastasia Tafoya, Avianna Tafoya, and great-granddaughter Lillianna Olivar-Amador, his sister Maria “Chilo” Olivar- Lawson and her husband Jack Lawson and sister Ruth “Cuca” Olivar-Millan and her husband Richard Millan of San Felipe/San Jose along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Love You Always For Always

A Visitation for Luciano will be held Monday, May 17, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m..

A mass of Christian Burial will occur Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 929 Harvard Avenue, Clovis, California 93612.

A Committal Service will occur Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at Clovis Cemetery, 305 North Villa Avenue, Clovis, California 93612.

Serving as pallbearers are Frank Flores, Benny Camarena, Isaac Camarena, Larry Nunes, Steven Amador and Vinicio Rubalcava.