Karl J. Oliver

Karl J. Oliver of Milford passed peacefully from this life on April 23, 2026 at Bayhealth Hospital Sussex Campus.

He was born on June 17, 1935 in Pittston, PA, the only son of Arthur and Lenore Oliver. His sister, Jane, dubbed him as “God’s gift to the depression”. The only son among four daughters.

Karl graduated from West Pittson High School in 1955, after which he worked for his father at A.W. Oliver, General Contractor.

In 1957 he enlisted in the Army, serving in Baumholder, Germany until 1960. Karl then worked for the US Postal Service for 3 years. In 1964 he began employment in Environmental Services at Newcomb Hospital in Vineland, N.J. There he met the love of his life, Cynthia Mattson, in 1979. He proposed marriage within 1 month of their meeting and they married in 1980.

In 1981 the Olivers moved to Milford, DE where he assumed directorship of Environmental Services at Milford Memorial Hospital, retiring in 1997.

Karl was preceded in death by his loving parents, Arthur and Lenore Oliver, sisters, Mary McGinty and Jane Smith Landau, and sister-in-law Arlene Mattson Angelucci.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Cyndy Mattson Oliver, his sons, Patrick S. Oliver (Jenmarie Thimmesch) of Bend, OR and Matthew J. Oliver of Millsboro, DE, his sisters, Lois Forlenza of West Pittston, PA and Sharon Gold of Burke, VA, his sisters-in-law, Claudia and Kimberly Mattson, with whom he and Cyndy shared their home, and countless nieces and nephews.

Karl’s family ties were extended when he married Cyndy and many hilarious and legendary stories followed in Karl’s wake. He often said he had the best mother-in-law in the world, Betty Mattson. In the later years he developed a special bond with his nephew, Ned Smith, which brought him much comfort and laughter at shared memories.

Karl’s yearbook stated that “he was known for his ready wit and infectious laughter”, which he maintained throughout his life. He enjoyed deer hunting and camping in the Poconos in the earlier years. He couldn’t be kept off the dance floor on the many cruises he and Cyndy enjoyed.

Karl had been a member of the Milford Elks Lodge #2401 where he enjoyed playing cards and exchanging insults wit the guys on Tuesday nights. He was an avid Eagles and Nittany Lions fan.

The family will receive visitors from 10:30AM to 12PM on Tuesday April 29th, with a funeral service at 12 noon.

For those who would like to make a charitable contribution in Karl’s memory, please consider, Tunnels2towers.org or to St. Judes Children Research Hospital.