Donald Nelson Oliver

Donald Nelson Oliver, born in 1948 to Josephine and Joseph “Nelson” Oliver in Maryland, was the oldest of two children. As a child, Don was often found playing with his first cousins who lived nearby. He had a lifelong fondness for baseball and, later, for driving around in his MGB Roadster.

Don met his wife, Harriet, on a blind date and eventually earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland. He worked at Bell Atlantic, which later became Verizon, as an IT Consultant for 32 years. During that time, he was blessed with two children, Loryn and David, and also earned a master’s degree from UMGC.

After retiring, Don enjoyed spending time with his six grandchildren, playing golf, and doting on the rescued golden retriever puppies he and Harriet welcomed into their home in Columbia, Maryland. A loyal D.C. sports fan, Don loved watching Commanders and Nationals games and cheering on his beloved Maryland Terrapins.

Don passed away peacefully at home on June 8, 2025, with Harriet by his side, due to complications from acute myeloid leukemia. He was 76 years old.

He was deeply knowledgeable about history, and his grandchildren loved engaging him in conversations about current and past events that shaped the nation. Don enjoyed all types of music and was a faithful servant of God. He told wonderful stories of his youth and was passionate about tracing the Oliver/Freeman family ancestry.

In lieu of flowers, Don requested that donations be sent to New Hope Lutheran Church, located at 8575 Guilford Road, Columbia, MD 21046. A private dinner for immediate family will be held to celebrate Don’s life.

We remember Don as a man who loved deeply and was immensely proud of his family.

We love you, Pacha—always and forever.