Raymond L. Olivere

 Ray Olivere died Sept. 16th after a long and colorful life. Born in Wilmington, DE to Natalie & Louis Olivere, he exhibited artistic talent early and at age 10 was awarded a Howard Pyle Scholarship at the Wilmington Academy of Art where he studied under the artist N.C. Wyeth. Ray graduated Sanford School in 1942, entered the Army and served with the renowned Dr. Frank Netter as a medical illustrator during WWII. After his service, Ray moved to New York where he had a long career illustrating advertisements, editorials, and covers for more than 300 books. Upon leaving Madison Avenue Ray began a second career as a fine artist, exhibiting at shows at The National Academy, Allied Artists of America, The Society of Illustrators, and The Audubon Artist Show among others. Ray was also a highly sought painter of portraits of which he completed more than fifty, including commissions for Bernard Baruch, founder of Baruch College, and the actors Ingrid Bergman and Maurice Evans. More recently Ray was featured in an HBO documentary film produced by his long time friend, Carl Reiner, with whom he served in the Army during the war. Ray was married three times and widowed twice; to the late Kathryn Howett, the late actress Betty Field, and Kathryn Wakefield who survives him as both wife and business partner. Ray is also survived by his son Marc Olivere (Maureen), daughters Laura Sopp (Jerry) and Gina Burcham (Gary), grandchildren Lindsay, Julianne and Zachary, and great grandchildren Macklyn and Sienna. Ray will also be missed by his siblings Norma Breit, Richard Olivere (Anne) and Ronald Olivere (Joan), as well as a great many cousins, nieces and nephews. No funeral services will be held, but a celebration of Ray's life will take place in the future to which family and friends will be invited.