David was born on May 13, 1963 in Tampa to Arthur Oliva and Mary Ann Anderson, both deceased, he is survived by his son, David Andrew Oliva of Riverview and former wife, Mary Boyette Chancy.
Surviving siblings are Denise Trussell of Tampa and Tanya Oliva-Carroll of Wesley Chapel; a brother, Kevin Oliva of Tampa; a half-sister, Carrie Oliva Diaz, of Tampa; a brother in law, Richard Carroll; and a sister in law, Pamela Oliva.
Nephews include Daniel Trussell of Riverview, Gil Chang and Josh Oliva of Tampa and Clayton Carroll of Wesley Chapel.
Nieces include Lyndsi Chang, Christina Oliva, and Deandra Bruce of Tampa, Arianna Oliva of Wesley Chapel, Heather Dykes of Beauregard, Alabama, and Alexandria Carroll of Alexandria, Virginia.
Great nephews and nieces include Kevin and Alyssa Dykes of Beauregard, Alabama, Lauren Chang of Tampa, Nicholas and Erik Mancheno of Tampa, Jaynea and Amari Bruce of Tampa, and Anaiya Davis of Wesley Chapel.
David was raised in Tampa, attended Hillsborough High School. After high school, he worked for the Kash N Karry grocery chain from 1979-1989 before changing course and becoming a Territory Sales Manager, first for Eli Witt Company from 1989-1992, then Phillip Morris Kraft Food Service from 1992-1997, then Mutual Wholesale Company from 1997-2000. He then moved on to become a Regional Sales Manager for Eastern Foods Inc. from 2000-2003. He was also a part owner in the Cigar City Restaurant in the mid-90s. He had excellent people skills and forged great relationships with his customers.
After having his fill of the corporate world, David then decided to get into the construction business, working for his best friend Ted Bociek, performing commercial and home renovations. He became a skilled carpenter and left his imprint on a multitude of homes and structures in the Tampa Bay area. Despite battles with Rheumatoid Arthritis, he created a legacy of accomplishment and integrity with hundreds of happy customers. Dave loved showing pictures of all his handiwork and took immense pride in everything he did. His customers loved having him around. He could always be heard belting out tunes on a job site. It made people smile. He found happiness in making others happy.
In his personal life, David was all about his family. He loved his son Andrew beyond measure, was extremely proud of him and cherished all the time they spent together. In fact, he referred to Sundays as "Son Days", where he set aside his time for Andrew. They often enjoyed going to Walt Disney World together for extended vacations.
David also loved getting together with family for special occasions and holidays. He was always the life of the party and had his signature thunderous laugh that was just infectious. You wanted to be around him. Christmas time with family will never be the same without him.
Living in Tampa his entire life, David became a big sports fan. For several years, he had Buccaneers season tickets. More recently, he had become a huge Tampa Bay Lightning fan. He loved going to a game here and there. But one thing was for sure you could always count on him proving an analysis of every Lightening game to anyone he encountered. He also loved the Rays and went to their games occasionally. He was the ultimate Tampa Bay super fan. He loved all things Tampa.
David leaves behind a legacy of good works, of being a devoted father, of being a loving brother and uncle, of being a great friend, and of being a child of God. Fond memories of him will stay with anyone who knew him because he made such a significant impact on the people around him. In his 56 years he spent with us, David was loved and cherished across the generations. He is now with God and at peace.
A funeral to celebrate David's life will take place at 2pm on Saturday, May 16th at Blount and Curry Funeral Home in Carrollwood. The family will receive friends one hour prior.
In the meantime, please feel free to click the link "CLICK HERE" above his obituary picture at the top of the page to leave a memory or add a picture for the virtual vitiation.