Pa Emmanuel Ololade Olisa goes home today, Friday, September 6, 2024 in USA
Pa Emmanuel Ololade Olisa, the father of Staten Island, New York, United States of America (USA)-based community leader and activist, Bobby Digi Bamidele Olisa, who passed on to glory on August 6, 2024, will be interred today, September 6, 2024 at the Elmwood Cemetery, North Brunswick Township, New Jersey, USA.
The internment is preceded by a Wake/Viewing and a Funeral Service at S. Philips Baptist Church, Staten Island.
Pa Olisa, who passed on at 82 was one of the oldest and first Nigerians to settle on Staten Island, New York and his son, Bobby Digi Olisa, who has kept the flag of the family flying high, penned the departed Patriarch the tribute below:
In Loving Memory of Emmanuel Ololade Olisa
February 2, 1942 – August 6, 2024
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Emmanuel Ololade Olisa on August 6, 2024. Born on February 2, 1942, in Ogbagi, Akoko Ondo State, Nigeria, to High Chief David Bamisile Olisa of Emuta Ogbagi and Mary Ade Olisa, Emmanuel’s life was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, community, and love.
Emmanuel began his education at St. John Primary School and continued to New Church Grammar School in Owo. As a young man, he was energetic, ambitious, and known for looking out for family and friends. He worked with the Western Nigerian Marketing Board at Cocoa House in Ibadan, where his commitment to excellence was evident.
In 1970, Emmanuel came to the United States on a student visa, where he pursued his education and career. He graduated from the New York City Technical School of Dentistry and further expanded his knowledge at Pratt Institute, studying Interior Design, Upholstery, Architectural Design, and Photography. He also earned a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from the New York Institute of Technology, specializing in Urban Planning and Traffic Control. Emmanuel was among the first Africans to work for New York City’s Air Traffic Control.
After moving from Brooklyn to Staten Island to start a family, Emmanuel embraced entrepreneurship. From owning his own New York City yellow cab to founding Metropolitan Auto Imports, a successful used car dealership, his ventures thrived under his leadership. Later, in partnership with his eldest son Bobby Digi Olisa, they opened an auto body shop to complement the dealership.
Emmanuel’s impact extended far beyond his businesses. As one of the first and oldest Africans to settle in Park Hill in the late 70s, he played a crucial role in mentoring and supporting newly arrived Africans. His contributions to the community continued through his work as a broker, realtor, and volunteer with the Canvas Institute and the Stapleton Senior Center.
Emmanuel was a great man, the son of a High Chief, though he was humble and avoided titles and fanfare. His legacy of love, learning, and community lives on in those who had the privilege to know him. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Modupe Olisa, his children: Bobby Digi Olisa, Tolulope Olisa, Olawande Olisa, Adelanke Olisa-Sackie, and his grandchildren: Othello Olisa, Author Olisa, Henry Olisa Jr., Avi Ayanru, Prince Olisa, and Oreoluwa Sackie.
Peace and love,
Hon. Bobby Digi Bamidele Olisa.
