Samuel Anthony Oliva, age 67 of Lebanon, formerly of Nashville died Wednesday at The Residence at Alive Hospice, Nashville. He was a native of Utica, New York and the son of the late Sam and Frances Oliva. Survivors include his loving family, faithful friends, and adoring students.

He led a life of hard work and dedication to all those around him.  Through his time as an orchestra teacher at so many different schools, he managed to make a profound impact on the lives of his students. He always seemed to make music so fun and enjoyable to learn, and incorporated life lessons into everything he taught. He gave students the knowledge needed to literally take them around the world. He taught the importance of patience and practice, and inspired so many students to make careers with music; even helped many students acquire musical scholarships so they could continue learning beyond his time with them.

Sam's wish was to be cremated and for his cremated remains to be scattered from his airplane. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Woodfin Memorial Chapel and an online guestbook is available for the Oliva family at www.woodfinchapel.com

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Samuel Oliva Memorial Fund to help underprivileged orchestra students. www.gofundme.com/2guzy3f8