Juan Oliva

They say gods are only found in legends. They say superheroes are written for comic books. They say angels and saints only exist for the religious. The man we are honoring today left a legacy no common man can recreate. To his wife, to his children, he was our sanctuary, our peace, our patience, our joy, and our love.

Growing up, he worked the fields, traveling across the country to provide for his loved ones. Though he faced the hardships of hard labor, he persevered above it all. At the age of 18, he met the love of his life. A real life gentleman, he would park his car downtown, ride the bus to accompany his love to her home, only having to return alone on the bus to his car and drive home. Winning the hearts of her parents, at 23, he married his high school sweetheart. She was treated like a true queen, for nothing was denied to her. No errand was too hard to complete for her. His happiness came from seeing the joy in her face. They created a family that would become unbreakable, filled with laughter, love and joy. He was the center of our universe, the problem solver to all our issues, the shoulder to lie our restless heads, and the calm in times of chaos.

His love extended to his profession, for he cared for countless of patients throughout the many years as a Radiologist Technologist. His co-workers became family and were witnesses to the extraordinary man he was. He was caring, loving, and patient to all who knew him. Never did he falter in seeing the good in people. Never did he hesitate to lend out a helping hand to a stranger. If one questions the existence of a god, of a superhero or a saint, our time with this man only confirms the impossible. His existence made us better people, more loving and more caring. The grief we feel for his passing only confirms how he impacted each and every one of our lives and for that, we will be eternally grateful. God called for one of his strongest angels, and he didn’t disappoint.

Juan Antonio is preceded in death by his parents, Domingo and Adalia Oliva; nephew: Samuel Gonzalez, Jr.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 45 years, Rosa Icela Oliva; daughters: Claudia Icela (Agapito) Villarreal, Christina (Ricardo) Herrera, Jacqueline (Jose Ramon Jr.) Pena, and Vanessa (Abel Jr.) Garcia; son: Juan Antonio Oliva Jr., 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; siblings: Ricardo (Martha) Oliva, Guadalupe (Juan Ruben) Herrera, Elisa (Mario Alberto) Flores, and Adalia (Samuel) Gonzalez, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, co-workers and friends.

The family will receive condolences on Friday, September 4, 2020 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.  A Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will be offered at 7 p.m.

Funeral procession will depart the funeral chapel at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2020 to Christ the King Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Agapito Villarreal, Ricardo Herrera, Jose Ramon Pena, Jr., Abel Garcia, Jr., Miguel Angel Tijerina Jr., Ricardo Herrera, Jr., Jose Ramon Pena, III, and Abel Garcia, III.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Robert J. Herrera and Ryan J. Herrera

You may extend your condolences to the family at www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Road, Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.