Charles Thomas Olivier, 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10th, 2026, with his wife Kathleen by his side at their home in East Matunuck, Rhode Island.

Born in Providence on April 28, 1947, to Rose (St. Jean) Olivier and Charles Olivier, Charlie was wired a little differently than most. His analytical engineering mind led him to tinker with model airplanes and cars in his youth, often with his younger brother, Richard. He graduated from Hendricken High School a year early and went on to the University of Rhode Island to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Partway through college, he took a 4-year detour to enlist in the Air Force between 1966 and 1970, serving in a supply squadron in Clovis, New Mexico supporting fighter bomber aircraft deploying to Vietnam. After an honorable discharge he returned to URI and finished his degree in Mechanical Engineering. Armed with a BS and later his Professional Engineering license, he launched a long, successful career with FM Global, becoming an expert in roofing design loads and writing many standards for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) that still stand today.

Charlie loved the Rhode Island shoreline and spending time on the water. You could often find him captaining the family boat for his legendary sunset cruises and taking his grandchildren tubing on Potter's Pond. Whether he was at the helm of his boat, leaning into a curve on one of his motorcycles, or admiring the lines of a classic at a car show, he was passionate about sharing the fun he had with his family and friends.

Above all, Charlie's greatest legacy was his family. He spent 53 years married to his beautiful wife, Kathy. Together, they raised three children who inherited his spirit: Susan (Dean) Balcirak, Brian (Jill) Olivier, and Matthew (Erika) Olivier. He was the proud Pepé of a crew of eight grandchildren-Dean, Luna, Sam, Emily, Grant, Jane, Mabel, and Wesley, who will remember him for sharing his enthusiasm and wonder for life.

He is also survived by his sister Rose Regan, brother Richard Olivier, and sister Margaret Olivier.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 11AM-3PM in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 11AM in Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Road, Kingston, RI 02881. A small reception will follow the mass in the parish hall. Burial is private.