Thomas J. Oliveri, a longtime Worcester restaurateur who established the original Elsa’s Bushel N Peck location in Tatnuck Square, Peppercorn’s on Park Avenue, Prezo’s in Milford and Oli’s in West Boylston passed on Jan. 28 after a brief illness and complications from leukemia.
Oliveri is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elsa, and sons Thomas M. Oliveri and Jon M. Oliveri, noted local restaurateurs. Thomas Oliveri cofound Wormtown Brewery and owns Peppercorn’s Grille & Tavern. Oli’s Eatery is owned by Jon Oliveri, who also opened the former Oli’s Tomato Pie on Belmont Street, across from UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester as a spin-off restaurant to the West Boylston Oli’s. Tom also leaves a sister, eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
As retired food editor of the Telegram & Gazette, Table Hoppin columnist and restaurant reviewer, I have written about Oliveri family businesses many times in my career.
Obituary Thomas J. Oliveri
More: Thomas Oliveri helped bring Aerosmith to Westboro for legendary concert