Obituary of Kathleen Ann Oliviero

Kathleen Ann Oliviero, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, at the age of 81.

Born on September 21, 1943, in Orange, New Jersey, Kathleen was the cherished daughter of Robert and Catherine Burns. She grew up in a loving home alongside her three siblings and graduated from Lady of the Valley High School in 1961.

That same year, in June, Kathleen married Leonard Oliviero. The two began their life together in Fairfield, New Jersey, and grew to a family of 6 as Kathleen worked as a telephone operator for Prudential Insurance.

Later, Kathleen found her calling working for the County of Morris in the Department of Social Services, where she served for over 20 years. She was deeply committed to helping others and took great pride in her work, touching countless lives with her compassion and dedication.

Kathleen found peace and joy in life’s quiet moments—simply being present in the beauty of everyday life. But above all, she adored her grandchildren. They were the light of her life, and she never missed a chance to cheer them on, encourage their dreams, and remind them just how loved they were. Kathleen’s love for her family led her to taking on a caretaker role and providing loving support to her son, Lenny, for many years.

Kathleen’s kindness, strength, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. It brings us comfort to know that Kathleen is now reunited with the loved ones she lost in life, her son, John Oliviero, her brothers, John and Bobby Burns, and her parents, Robert and Catherine Burns.

She is survived by her husband, Leonard Oliviero; her children, Nancy Ginsberg, Lenny Oliviero, Jr., Michael Oliviero; her grandchildren, Alexandria Vonoflorio, John Michael Oliviero, Eliana Grace Oliviero; her sister, Dolly Burns, and many extended nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives were brighter because of her.

A funeral service for Kathleen will be held on Saturday, September 13 at Norman Dean Home for Services at 10:30 AM, with visitors welcome to gather beginning at 10 AM. A graveside service will follow immediately after to Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, NJ. All are welcome to come and celebrate Kathleen’s life, and please leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let her light shine!