Anthony “Tony” Ruff Olive Jr., age 64, of Port St. John, Florida, was the firstborn child of Joann and Anthony Ruff Olive Sr., born on April 17, 1962, in Camden, New Jersey. As the oldest of four siblings, he passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, at VITAS Healthcare Hospice in Rockledge, Florida, and went home to be with the Lord.

Anthony is survived by, Jackie Case-Church; his stepson, Steven Case, and daughter-in-law, Rachael Case; granddaughter, Evie Case. He is also survived by his siblings, William (Bill), Michael (Mike), Susan (Sue), and Michel, and half-brother, George. He is further survived by a host of loving relatives and friends as well as Xena and Murphy, his loyal fur baby pups.

He was preceded in death by his stepson, Thomas Case; his parents, Anthony R. Olive Sr. and Jo Ann Olive (née Reed); his paternal grandparents, Anthony and Mary Olive (née Ruff); his maternal grandparents, Ralph and Theda Martucci (née Reed); and his sister-in-law, Pamela Olive (née Phillips). He is also preceded in death by a host of loving and heavenly relatives and friends.

Anthony will be laid to rest with honors at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery Mims, Fl. on June 9, 2026, at 0900 hours.

From an early age and throughout his life, Anthony was deeply fascinated by understanding how things worked. His wide-ranging interests included mechanical systems, electrical and electronic engineering, software and database development, gunsmithing, and countless other pursuits inspired by his curiosity, creativity, and passion for hands-on problem-solving.

As a young boy and into his late teens, growing up in Delair, New Jersey, Anthony also loved playing sports, organized as well as sandlot ball where he excelled at short stop, second base and pitcher. His other love was building, repairing and riding motorcycles, mini-bikes and go carts.

Later in his early adult life, he discovered and had a passion for software development and was self-taught and well versed with writing code in the C++ language as well as other software coding languages. SCUBA Diving was also another passion of Anthony where he became a SCUBA instructor while employed in the Bahamas. He also played sandlot baseball with the locals in the Bahamas, as well as riding his motorcycle.

Anthony had many passions, loves, and proud moments throughout his life, but among his proudest was when his oldest stepson, Steven, married his beautiful wife, Rachael, and welcomed their precious daughter, Evie, into the world. He was equally proud when Steven earned his graduate degree and later achieved the distinguished role of Chief Technology Officer—accomplishments that brought Anthony immense joy and pride.
Anthony also deeply loved his youngest stepson, Thomas, and was profoundly heartbroken by his sudden passing following illness. Despite the sorrow, Anthony always carried Thomas in his heart and cherished the memories and love they shared.

Anthony’s ex-spouse, Jackie, the mother of Steven and Thomas, shared a remarkable relationship with Anthony throughout his life. She was a steady and unwavering source of support, and she remained his rock.
Anthony also had a deep and enduring love for his beloved fur babies, who brought him tremendous joy, companionship, and comfort throughout his life. The bond he shared with them was unmistakable, and they loved him just as deeply in return.

Anthony held deep beliefs and strong opinions on many subjects, yet he also believed his mind could be changed through truth, facts, and open, honest dialogue.

Most recently, Anthony was employed as a Systems Analyst III on the ET MIS Team with Brevard Public Schools. His employer shared that, “During more than a decade of dedicated service, he provided invaluable technical support to the district’s students, staff, and administration. Anthony was respected not only for his extensive technical expertise, but also for his willingness to help others and for the positive impact he made on everyone around him.”

Anthony attended high school at Camden County Vocational and Technical school, Pennsauken, N.J. where he studied the auto mechanics trade before following in father’s footsteps and enlisting in the United States Navy, also a Gunners Mate, to honorably serve and protect our country.

Anthony’s naval journey began at Recruit Training Command Orlando, Florida on September 11,1980 and ended as a reservist on, September 15,1991. After graduating from his basic military requirements in Orlando, Florida, Anthony headed off to school for his Basic Electricity, Electronics (BEE) and Gunners Mate Missile (GMM) Tech‘ A’ school at Great Lakes, Chicago, Il. Followed by GMM tech ‘C’ school in Minneapolis, Mn . which is where the Mk 26 duel-rail guided missile launcher was manufactured.

Anthony was then assigned to his first ship, the U.S.S. Scott (DDG-995), a Kidd Class guided missile destroyer at Ingalls Shipbuilding Division, Pascagoula, Mississippi where Anthony also maintained and operated the highly sophisticated combat- ready missile launcher.

Anthony was also one of the original crew members during Scott’s commissioning on 24 October 1981 thereby becoming a plank owner of the Scott- a highly regarded honor within the naval community. This command is also where Anthony earned the rank of third-class Petty Officer (GMM3), during his proud service on the Scott in Pascagoula, Ms. and Norfolk Naval Base, Va.

After serving on the Scott, Anthony was reassigned to the USS Kidd (DDG-993), stationed at Norfolk Naval Base, Norfolk, Va. During his assignment on board the Kidd, Anthony was promoted to Gunners Mate Missile Tech 2 (GMM2) where he also maintained and operated the Mk26 duel-rail guided missile launcher and also part of the Ships Security Force ( aka SWAT Team)

Throughout Anthony’s sea service, He earned several awards and commendations, including the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy E Ribbon (“Battle E”), and the Blue Nose Certificate recognizing service within the Arctic Circle.

Throughout his life, Anthony had a strong work ethic and maintained strong bonds with his Navy shipmates and colleagues, often reminiscing about the past while sharing present experiences together.
Anthony also attended Eastern Florida State College, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree in Mathematics and Computer Technologies. Anthony later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Programming, Information Systems, and Business Management, further building upon the extensive knowledge he had already gained through lifelong learning and self-teaching.

Anthony’s impressive and wide-ranging civilian career also included contributions within several respected organizations, including:

• Knight’s Armament Company — Engineering Assistant
• Tribune Media — Technology Architect
• GE Government Services — System Engineer
• Rockwell International — Computer Operator
• Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC)-Weapons Range Site Support
• GE/RCA — Tester, Development and Manufacturing
• Ford Aerospace & Communications Corporation — Field Service Technician

Fair winds and following seas, we have the watch!

Bravo Zulu!

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the S.P.C.A, causes close to their heart.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.