The family of Orazio and Antonia Oliva had its 50th …

Special to The Vindicator | published: August 1, 2017

The family of Orazio and Antonia Oliva had its 50th family reunion July 15 at Firestone Park in Columbiana. After Antonia’s death, the family had its first reunion in 1967, pulling the next two generations together with their 10 children, spouses and grandchildren. At least four generations gathered this year with about 107 in attendance from all over the country. The reunion committee was composed of Mary Ann Mills, Paul E. Oliva, Ron and Dottie Oliva, Joanne Detwiler, Anna Armstrong and Dr. Monica Merrill. There were games for the young and young-at-heart, and a free and silent raffle. A family photo was taken, and special T-shirts designed with the family coat-of-arms were available at the event. Debbie DiBenedetto and her sister, Dr. Linda Oliva, both of Maryland, researched the family history going back 200 years and produced a book of pictures with narrative for interested family members.