Ben Olivero
August 16, 2002 to July 29, 2023
Obituary
Ben Olivero passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the age of 20.
Ben was born in St. John’s and lived a full life in his short years, travelling the world.
Ben loved basketball and music. He fiercely loved his family. He had many friends in St. John’s, Whitbourne, and Holyrood.
Ben was a gentle giant, at six-foot, six inches tall, he was warm, wise and very thoughtful. Ben suffered in his later years, leaving us way too soon. We are all broken hearted.
Talking to Ben was like talking to a wise soul. He was astoundingly smart.
Ben is a teacher to us all. A teacher of compassion, love, kindness…he helped the homeless and those with mental health and addictions, he was a strong person and fought a long fight with his illness.
Ben’s life will be honoured with a loving service for all of Ben’s friends and family at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road on August 4th, 2023 from 11am-3pm; for a special time to gather and share happy stories about Ben.
We will remember Ben for all of his love and wisdom. We will honour Ben by doing what he always told us to do…. “Living our best lives.”
In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Choices for Youth, in honour of Ben.
We are also leaving flowers, wild flowers and pictures of Ben, and candles on the benches, where Ben passed, today August 1, at sunset tonight, for the Sturgeon moon.
Schedule
Visitations
11 a.m.- 3 p.m. on August 4, 2023
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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Tina and family, I am so sorry to hear this awful news, Ben was a great guy of whom I had a lot of mutual friends, his spirit lives on. our system has failed so many innocent lives, wishing you serenity, healing and peace
I don’t know you and did not know your son but there but for the grace of God go I. My son was trapped in that vicious cycle of addiction for about 15 years. He and our family went through hell and back. Our son disappeared and a complete stranger took his place driven by addiction. He finally conquered his addiction, still an addict but it has no more power over him. My biggest fear for him is what you are experiencing now with the loss of your precious boy. My heart breaks for you, and your family and especially your young son. Please accept sincere condolences from a stranger who feels and understands your pain.
There is a very large community that is in mourning with you and your family. Your voice has affected many mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and friends of loved ones who walk a similar path as Ben did. Our tears can fill an ocean. May you find peace and strength, and may your loving memories of Ben be your guiding light.
My sincere & heartfelt condolences to Tina, her family and to anyone who loved Benjamin. Ben’s tragic passing and Tina’s strong voice has left an indelible mark on my soul. RIP young man.
My deepest condolences to Bens family, although I have never met you, my heart aches for you and for Ben. I have been touched by mental health and addictions and I know all too well the hurt it causes. My hope for you is that you will feel Bens love shining brightly through each sunrise and each sunset, each starry night, and every drop of rain, every flower blooming, and every leave that falls. After reading Bens story, today I will visit his memorial to honour your precious boy, I too am a mom and I cannot even imagine your heartaches, please know that there are many thinking of you, who care about you, and share in your grief ❤️
Tina and family.
I was so saddened to hear the news of the loss of your beautiful boy. Thinking of you and my deepest condolences to and your family. RIP Ben.
Tina , I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved son. I am thinking of you at this most difficult and sad time. My sincere condolences and prayers to you and your family.
Tina and Angelina
I cannot imagine the pain and heartache you are feeling. Loosing Ben at such a young age under those circumstances, my heart is broken for you. I was fortunate to have met Ben when he was 8 or 9 when he and Angelina would come to Taoist Tai Chi classes with Sonia and Bob in Holyrood . Everyone loved them. They would make tea, serve the tea and clean up the dishes afterward.s. They were both beautiful bright, smart, respectful young kids with their whole life ahead of them. Ben truly was wise beyond his years. My thoughts and prayers are with you and may his soul Rest iIn Peace
So sorry for the loss of your son. My deepest condolences to you, his family and friends.
To Tina, Just to let you know that I am so sorry for the loss of your son. You have been so brave to let your voice be heard in the middle of your sorrow. You did everything you could possibly do for your son. May he rest in peace. May you be given the strength to make a difference for many others with your voice. A friend from the past at Dale Carnegie Training!
Tina and family.
Take the time you need to grieve and process. When the time is right, countless people will honour Ben’s life by making the most of their own lives and, in turn, the lives of others. As someone said to me early in my own journey, “May the waves of grief wash over you as gently as possible knowing that your son knew he was loved beyond measure”.
My heart goes out to your family Ben I actually have only known you the past 3 years or so but I always greeted you with a smile and you always did the same , you’ll be missed my friend and I wish the help your family tried to get for you did work. I have been in similar situations as you but fortunately I’m still here and you’re not 😭 I’m heart broken I’ll see you Friday
Hi. My name is Cathy. I never knew Ben but for some reason felt a strong connection! To all Ben’s family, friends, relatives and his mom, I offer my deepest condolences! May he rest in peace!
Ben was such a sweet guy. I went to junior high with him and he always made everyone laugh. Although we weren’t close he was always very nice and kind to everyone. He will be missed .
Tina and Angelina,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the tragic loss of your son and brother.
Stephen Wheeler
Tina my friend so very sorry for the loss of Benjamin and for all the pain and sorrow you have all endured .. hugs to everyone who loved him 💜♥️
Tina so very sorry fpr the loss of Benjamin and for all the pain and sorrow you have all endured .. hugs to everyone who loved him 💜♥️
My deepest condolences to Tina, Angelina and the Olivero family on the passing of Ben. I had the pleasure of teaching Ben and Angelina when they were in first grade at Woodland Elementary in Dildo. I remember Ben’s bright smile and how wise he was, even then at such a young age. My heart hurts for your devastating loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Words can’t wipe away your tears
Hugs won’t ease your pain
But hold on to your memories
Forever they’ll remain..
Tina, and family, you may not remember us but we enjoyed having you as our neighbour at Holiday Hill for a few years. We often recall memories of Ben & Angelina in their early childhood years. We were so saddened to hear of Ben’s passing. Just wanted you to know you are in our thoughts & prayers.
In your memories of Ben
May you find comfort..
In your family and friends.
May you find love..
And in your heart
May you find the strength
to help you through
this difficult time.
❤️
God Bless.
Tina,
I am thinking of you and your family during this unimaginable time. I am so sorry for your loss..
Once again Tina, sending my love and deepest sympathy to you and your family and all those who knew and loved your beloved Ben. 💜🙏
Tina, I am thinking of you and your family. My deepest, sincerest condolences.
Ben, Rest in Peace and let light perpetual shine upon you.
Rev. Don Martin
Hr. Grace
Tina I am so sorry for your grief. He looked like an amazing young man. I can’t imagine the pain his sisters are going through. Time doesn’t heal the loss but it can make it bearable. Stay strong, I seen an angel when you were carrying them I’m sure she took him home.
Tina;
So very sorry for your loss of your son Ben.
May the wonderful memories you have be a comfort at this time.
Rest in Peace Ben
To Tina and family Just to let you know that I am so sorry for the loss of you beautiful son. You have been so brave to let your voice be heard in the middle of your sorrow. You did everything you could possibly do for your son. May he rest in peace.
Phyllis Beckett (Natalie’s mom)
My deepest condolences to Tina and all of Ben’s family and friends. A life taken much too soon heartbreaking to read about this extraordinary young man. My thoughts are with his family , may he rest in peace.
Thinking of you Tina.
So sorry for your loss RIP Ben
I’m so sorry for great loss of your son,brother,grandson..may he fly with the angels..May you find peace in your advocacy for Change. Sending love ,respect and support.My heart is broken for you all and especially for sweet Ben.May his soul rest in peace now ,his struggle is over.Sadly yours begans for change..💖🙏🌹💖🙏
Tina I am thinking of you and your family at this extremely difficult time. God Bless to you all.
Dear Tina, I am so, so sorry for your loss and heartbreak. Sending much love xo
So sorry to see the heartbreak you are feeling now and forever more. RIP Ben May the Angels guide you on your new journey!!
I can remember Ben as a little boy. He spent so many hours at our house, and he definitely enjoyed every minute of it. He was always full of fun and laughter. It’s sad all that the cares and worries of life will take away from us, but happy joyful memories are one thing that will never be taken away.
Thinking especially of you, Angelina in these days. Growing up, you were as much a part of us as Ben was. As difficult as it was for us to hear of Ben’s passing, and as sad as it leaves us, we realize it doesn’t compare to what you must be feeling in these moments. Know that our family is always here for you.
Although I don’t know Ben or his family I’m truly sorry for the loss of your gentle giant. There are no words to express my deepest sympathies, I hope that Ben continues to watch over you his Mom, Sister and his beautiful baby boy and his family and I pray that he continues to light up the sky as a reminder that he is at peace now.
I never knew thus fine looking young man ,but he sure does have a star shining look that’s for sure.
I wanted to send my condolences to his family ,his mom and all that knew Ben..
So many young lives leaving this world so fast and too many struggles in this life RIP Ben
Dear Tina
I cannot imagine your pain. Please know that others share it and are with you in the spirit of love. My deepest sympathy. Liz
My deepest condolences to your family. We feel your pain.
God bless you all.