GILBERT J. OLIVEIRA

Gilbert James Oliveira, 62, lovingly known as Gil, of Little Compton, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on January 22, 2025. Gil fought a courageous battle with Glioblastoma for over a year. He was the beloved husband of Sheila A. (Gagne) Oliveira, to whom he was married on June 8, 1984. 

Born in Fall River, MA on March 7, 1962, he was a son of the late Gilbert James Oliveira and Nancy (Arruda) Oliveira of Little Compton, RI. Gil spent his life embodying the virtues of generosity, love, talent, and ambition.  

Gil was a talented ASE Master Technician in Autobody and an ICAR certified professional. He spent his 48-year career in the Autobody field as a body man and painter, last serving at Crown Collision in Middletown, RI. His previous associations included Custom Autobody in East Providence, RI and Lindbergh Autobody in Pawtucket, RI. A perfectionist at heart, he loved his work and constantly strived to excel in it. 

Outside of work, Gil had a passion for the game of cornhole. He was an active member of the Four Baggers Cornhole in Bristol, RI. He also enjoyed the outdoors and had an immense love for camping, especially at Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort in Freedom, NH. Gil was a fan of all New England sports and spent many years coaching his sons in Little League and recreational basketball. He was a long-time blood donor for the Rhode Island Blood Center, donating a total of more than eleven gallons. He enjoyed working around his home and helping others. But nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren, whom he loved so much. 

In addition to his devoted wife of over 40 years, Gil is survived by his  sons: Matthew J. Oliveira and his wife, Amanda K. Oliveira, of Seekonk, MA, Adam G. Oliveira and his wife, Laura E. Oliveira, of Tiverton, RI, and Alex M. Oliveira of East Providence, RI; as well as his cherished grandchildren: Ella, Landon, Emily, and Hope.  

He was the dear brother of Debbie Helms Barrett and her husband, Douglas, Donna Briggs, Douglas Oliveira and his wife, Sarah, Susan Beattie and her husband, Bob, Gregory Oliveira and his wife, Cara, and Jeffrey Oliveira and his wife, Laurel. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert, his grandson, Ryder, and his brother-in-law, Sean Briggs. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Visitation on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., at Fern Acres Funeral Home, 72 Willow Avenue, Little Compton, RI, immediately followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. 

In remembrance of Gilbert's generous life, we invite you to share your memories and upload photos on his memorial page. Let us celebrate Gilbert's life by sharing those cherished moments in honor of a kind, ambitious, and talented soul.

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