Bill Oliver Passes Away in Heaven’s Arms

Billy Oliver went home to be with the Lord on October 23, 2014 in Modesto, CA. He was an incredible husband, father, brother and uncle to many and loved square dancing as well as watching Buffalo Bills games!

He was once considered a rising star in the Big Ten, drawing comparisons with NBA stars. Unfortunately, persistent concussion symptoms ultimately forced him out of basketball.

Early Life and Education

Longtime resident of Ithaca, New York. He enjoyed square dancing and camping; traveling within the US and internationally with friends; working crossword puzzles; as well as cheering for his beloved Buffalo Bills team.

Oliver supported legislation mandating an eight-hour workday for railroad workers and was an advocate of national Prohibition legislation, in addition to supporting women’s suffrage.

At Massey University, “Prof” Oliver was fondly and respectfully known. As one of the newer fields of study – New Zealand social history – his seminars inspired honours seminar attendees and postgraduate students alike to expand their studies of rural history and bureaucratic institutions as a means of developing an overall view of New Zealand history that linked local to national developments.

Professional Career

Bill Oliver was a registered structural and professional engineer. A lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills, Bill was fond of square dancing, camping, RVing and traveling both within the US and internationally with friends. Bill was always there when needed – always generous with his time, knowledge and assistance to others.

He served as Chi Epsilon’s advisor and “guiding light,” providing counsel and direction to its officers and members. Additionally, from 1970-1978 he edited-in-chief of Civil Engineering Alumni News.

Oliver had become an integral member of Penn State’s basketball team, becoming an instant fan favorite and often drawing comparisons to NBA stars. Unfortunately, due to exercise-induced headaches he was forced to end his career this season and pursue a graduate degree in finance instead.

Achievement and Honors

Bill Oliver’s work in quantum information science (QIS) has advanced the state-of-the-art for superconducting qubit design, fabrication and measurement at millikelvin temperatures in experiments performed. Additionally, his cryogenic electronics program areas will provide support for future QIS demonstrations as well as Department of Defense advanced computing and imaging applications.

Oliver earned four seasons with Penn State Basketball before being sidelined due to chronic exercise-induced headaches in his junior year of eligibility, playing an integral part in their 2011 NCAA Tournament run.

Oliver has gained international acclaim with his films. His shorts have won multiple awards. Oliver holds both a Bachelor’s in Engineering from UNC-Chapel Hill and an MFA in Film Directing from AFI.

Personal Life

Bill Oliver was known for being a loving husband and father who always made sacrifices to provide for his family. Additionally, he enjoyed traveling as well as spending time at the beach.

Bill Oliver passed into heaven peacefully at his Modesto home in November 2014 after 56 years with Diane as his companion and leaves two daughters, one son, and eight grandchildren behind.

Bill Oliver excelled both academically and in research and development. At Lincoln Laboratory he worked on projects such as quantum optics and transport in two-dimensional electron gases and carbon nanotubes; on numerous occasions he testified before various government agencies and congressional committees.

Net Worth

Oliver excels at providing entertaining insights into topics vital to Americans’ financial well-being, such as the wage gap, predatory lending practices, paid family leave and credit reporting errors. Additionally, Oliver is skilled in recognizing and dismantling scams perpetrated by debt collectors.

He has appeared in multiple movies, such as How Sleep the Brave, Call from Space, Dracula, Under the Hula Moon, Menno’s Mind and Gods and Generals. Additionally, he has performed on television series such as Crime Story and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Oliver and his wife have two children; however, details about them remain private. The family reside in New Jersey where they attend United Methodist Church of Chatham NJ as members and enjoy golf and bridge as hobbies.