Joe and Jean Olivera have called Santa Maria home for 92 years. They attended Santa Maria High School, married in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, raised four children, and recently celebrated their 70th anniversary. Throughout their lives, the Oliveras have epitomized a strong work ethic, commitment to family, and service to their community and country.
Growing up during the Great Depression instilled in the Oliveras a desire to help their community and those less fortunate. Joe met Jean in high school and they married one day after Joe was called to serve in the U.S. Army. Joe served in World War II until he was severely injured during the Battle of Saipan in the South Pacific. After a year of recovery at an Army Hospital in Utah, Joe and Jean returned home to Santa Maria and began building their future.
While Jean looked after their home, Joe worked as a construction and maintenance manager for the Southern California Gas Company and began investing in commercial and residential properties. As he achieved career success, Joe also took on leadership positions in the community including chair of the Santa Maria City Planning Commission for 17 years and an active member of the Chamber of Commerce for 50 years.
Joe’s community service also expanded, as he joined the board of directors for Marian Regional Medical Center, Allan Hancock College, and the Santa Barbara Foundation – three organizations the Oliveras continue to support today. “The Santa Barbara Foundation is one of the leaders in community work,” said Joe. “When I was on the board, the foundation was experiencing dramatic growth, and it was interesting to see and be part of the evolution of the county from Carpinteria to Santa Barbara to Lompoc and Santa Maria.”
Over the years, the Oliveras have focused their philanthropic efforts on key organizations that provide value for the entire community, including setting up scholarship funds through the community college and an endowment fund at the hospital. The Oliveras were among the first recipients of the Celebrate Philanthropy! Award, which annually recognizes outstanding philanthropic leaders in the Santa Maria Valley. Modest about a lifetime of contributions to his community, Joe said, “I said I would help. It just adds up over a period of time.”