March 27, 2025

Martin Vianey Oliver, “Morty”, passed away on March 27, 2025 at the age of 74. Born in Norfolk, VA, he was the son of the late Harry Diggs Oliver, II and Mary Elizabeth Mengel Oliver.

Morty attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Granby High School. He became a plumber before ultimately joining his family’s funeral business, receiving his degree from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services in Atlanta, GA. He went on to serve his community for over 45 years. Along with his brother, John Oliver, he helped expand the business to include a Chapel in Chesapeake, VA, and a cemetery in Suffolk, VA. After John’s passing in 2007, Morty served as President until his retirement in 2020. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and dedication that is a model for all to follow.

Morty profoundly believed in always doing the right thing in business and in life. He was not just a good person, but someone who took that goodness and fostered it in others and throughout his community. So many people have benefited from his ethics and have been touched by his actions, and they may have never even realized it. His giving was often quiet, his kindness matched by his modesty. Morty was quick to laugh and offer unsolicited advice that was usually right and always well-intentioned. He was happiest on a boat or a pier, working on a piece of wood, or sharing wisdom from a sturdy stool.

Morty was preceded in death by his brothers, Harry Diggs “Bubba” Oliver, III and John “Johnnie” Patton Oliver; his sisters, Mary Frances Oliver and Loretta Oliver Butler; and his nephew, John Patton Oliver, Jr.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Kay Edwards Oliver; his son, Jonathan E. Oliver of Chesapeake, VA; his daughter, E. Sterling Oliver and her husband Christopher Emery, of Norfolk, VA; his granddaughter, Vera Vianey; and his sister, Betty Ann Oliver Goff and her husband Larry of Virginia Beach, VA. Morty is also survived by his cherished nephew Harry Diggs Oliver, IV and other numerous nephews, nieces, extended family members, as well as his dedicated and well-loved staff of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, countless friends, and hundreds of families that he helped throughout his career.

Calling hours to pay respects to Morty will take place Monday April 7, 2025 from 3:00-6:00 PM at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk, VA. A private burial will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of Sentara Norfolk General, The Brock Cancer Center, and Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital, whose care and support enabled him to walk his daughter down the aisle and meet his beloved granddaughter.

Memorial donations may be made to The Up Center or The Governor’s School for the Arts.

Former President, HD Oliver