Reinaldo A. Oliveira, Jr., 74

WAREHAM – Reinaldo A. Oliveira, Jr., 74, of Wareham, formerly of Carver died peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at Tobey Hospital in Wareham.

Born in Wareham, he was the son of the late Jennie T. (Barboza) and Reinaldo A. Oliveira, Sr. After sustaining critical injuries from a car accident when he was 8 years old, he was told he would never be able to play sports. Determined to place no restrictions on his achievement, Mr. Oliveira graduated from Wareham High School where he lettered in track and field, football and broke three school weightlifting records. He started boxing in high school and won the New England 139 lb. AAU title. While attending Bridgewater State University, he continued to play football and boxing. He won the Golden Gloves title four years in a row from 1970 to 1973. His professional boxing career spanned 9 years and included over 35 fights. His most memorable was a fight in Italy against World Champ and Godfather III actor, Vito Antuofermo. Mr. Oliveira also sparred with Marvelous Marvin Hagler and appeared in several exhibition matches with him. Mr. Oliveira retired from boxing in 1982.

That same year he took the police exam and worked for the Plymouth Police Department. He also worked as a corrections officer for the Plymouth County House of Corrections and then became an EMT and police officer for the Town of Carver in 1987.

Mr. Oliveira was the former president and 2003's "Man of the Year" of Ring Four, Boston Chapter of International Veteran’s Boxing Association, a volunteer for the Mass. Maritime boxing team from 2010 to 2020, assistant coach for Cape Cod PAL Boxing and also developed several New England and national boxing champions. He was also a former member of the board of directors for the Childhood Education Center, former co-chair of the Wareham School Council, member of the Carve Industrial Development Commission, former president of the Carver Police Union and a member of the Wareham/New Bedford Lodge of Elks.

Mr. Oliveira enjoyed boxing, mixed martial arts, music, dancing, singing, and the Italian culture. He loved to laugh and spend time with his grandchildren and his late son with whom he had a very close relationship. Mr. Oliveira was also a talented writer and wrote sports articles for local newspapers. He will be remembered for his quote and always saying, "Do the right thing."

Mr. Oliviera was predeceased by his son, the late Reinaldo A. Oliveira, III and is survived by his daughter, Erica J. Lienard of Fernandina Beach, FL; his siblings, Kenneth DeGrace, Sr. and Isaac Pina both of New Bedford, Robert Oliveira, Sr., Justin Gomes, Sr., Anthony "Poncho" Oliveira, Sr., and Jeanne Oliveira-Gomes all of Wareham, Raymond "Sucra" Oliveira of Fall River, and Constance "Connie" Williams of Spring, TX. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Natalia Mayo, Asia Mayo, Kailynn Almeida, Aaron Russell, Eric Lienard, Ariana Fernandes, Kaine Oliveira, Kaiden Oliveira, Reinaldo A. Oliveira, IV, and Paetyn Oliveira; his great grandchildren, Aniya and Ricardo Viana III, Khaylin Thompson and Aarielys Russell. Also surviving are his dear friend and mother of his beloved son, Vanessa "Nikki" Amado Oliveira of Onset, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, step-siblings “Depina’s" of the late Louise Oliveira of New Bedford and close friends. He was also predeceased by his brother, the late Luis Pina.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Sun., Dec. 15th at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 5 to 7 PM. His funeral will be from the funeral home on Mon, Dec. 16th at 9 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church, High St., Wareham at 10 AM. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Wareham.

For directions, or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com