Beloved Milford Store Owner, Anthony "Babe" Oliva, Dies At 90

MILFORD, MA — A celebrity among Milfordians, Anthony "Babe" Oliva wasn't just known for his delicious market and deli, but as a gentleman. Oliva died suddenly on Sunday morning, leaving the community grief stricken and overflowing with kind remarks for him. Oliva was 90-years-old.

According to his obituary from Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, Oliva died at the Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis on Sunday after he was hit at his summer home in the area. Oliva leaves behind his wife, Mary D’Alfonso Oliva and his three children and six grandchildren.

Oliva's father opened the market on East Main Street in the early 1900's, Oliva took over and reclaimed the market in 1961. He and his wife ran the market alongside their children, making homemade sausage, porketta and coldcuts.

The market wasn't just a hit in town but in Boston as well — Oliva’s Market, Catering & Gourmet Gifts prepared the post game meals for the Boston Red Sox, their opponents and the umpires.

Friends and family left heartfelt messages on the funeral home's tribute wall. "My family has been a customer of the Oliva legacy for years through births, weddings, showers as well as funerals — everyone raved about your food and service," Sherry showers wrote.

"Babe has touched hundreds of thousands if not millions of lives — permanent fixture of Milford with a blessed servants heart," wrote Gary Cacciola.

Oliva's funeral service will include military honors and be held on Wednesday, at 10 a.m. at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home at 44 Congress Street. A mass will be held at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 7 East Main Street. A burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery.