Gerald "Jerry" Lee Olivier

Jerry was born on January 19, 1931, in Avondale, Louisiana, to Lydia and Elmick Olivier Sr. After proudly serving in the United States Army, he began his professional career as a bookkeeper with the American Can Company. His love for adventure and the open sky eventually led him to aviation. He became a pilot and started his own flight school and eventually founded his own airfreight company, Aerovation. Flying was not just Jerry’s career—it was his passion.

Jerry lived a life marked by service, faith, and enthusiasm. He wore many hats, including serving as a parent chaperone for the Bleu Raeders Drum and Bugle Corps and volunteering faithfully with both the Civil Defense and the Civil Air Patrol. A devoted parishioner of St. Matthew the Apostle Church, Jerry was an active member of the church community and served as a Eucharistic Minister and usher.

In his leisure time, Jerry enjoyed camping and fishing, but his greatest joy was swimming. His dedication to the sport earned him several gold medals in the Senior Olympics—a testament to his vitality, discipline, and determination.

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Anna Marie Chenevert Olivier; his brothers, Charles, Daniel, Elmick Jr., and Wallace Olivier; and his cherished grandson, Mitch Dalme.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Karen Marie Willingham (Curtis), Cheryl Gautreaux (Trent), and Debbie Dalme (Gary Sr.); his grandchildren, Jean-Luc Gautreaux, David Willingham (Maria), Alisha Morris, Gary “Bo” Dalme Jr., and Amanda Harless (Kyle); and his treasured great-grandchildren, Alana, Trace, Brantly, Alyvia-Rei, and David.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Compassus Hospice and the St. Charles Council on Aging for their compassionate care and support.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Jerry’s well-lived life on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.