Charles William Oliver

Charles William Oliver, 76, of Ashford, died on Oct. 14, 2004 at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford. Dr. Oliver retired in the early 1990's from the University of Connecticut where he had been the University Ombudsman. He received his undergraduate education at Eastern Connecticut State University, graduate degree from the University of Hartford, and in 1969 a Certificate of Advanced Studies, Graduate School of Education, from Harvard University. He was awarded a doctorate from the University of Connecticut in 1976. During the 1940's he was a pitcher for the Dukes baseball team in Hartford. He was also a Korean War veteran. His earlier professional career included positions as both teacher and counselor for the Hartford Board of Education. Many knew him for his love of tennis; not only did he play competitively in local tournaments but he also spent many years teaching tennis for the University of Connecticut, the East Hartford Racquet Club and for the Manchester Senior Center. He was a member of the United States Professional Tennis Associaton (USPTA). He is survived by his wife Valerie of Ashford, his former wife Verona Oliver of Aliso Viejo, CA. and his children Renee L. Carlos of W. Hartford, Charles W. Oliver Jr. of Hartford, and Colette M. Edwards of Laguna Niguel, CA.; and his step children, Leslie R. Wolf of Belmont, MA. and Peter B. Ralston of Ashford. He leaves 7 grandchildren, Christopher and Sean Carlos, Brian and Brittany Edwards, Trevor Ralston and Rowan and Jasper Wolf. He is also survived by his brother and sister in law John and Hazel Oliver of Manchester. His family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic (Ph: 860-423-2211) on Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:00 with funeral services beginning at 2:00pm. Burial will follow in the Storrs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the United Negro College Fund, 8260 Willow Oaks Dr., P.O. Box 10444, Fairfax, VA. 22031-4511. Please visit at www.potterfh.com for online memorial guestbook and directions.