Messages of sympathy have been streaming into the bar’s social media feeds, with patrons describing Olivo as a “great person,” “a great pillar in the community,” and someone “with a heart of gold.”īunkhouse Saloon is holding a memorial service for Olivo on March 19 at 2 p.m.
“Please feel free to patronize Bunkhouse and support Pat’s bar family as they learn to navigate their way without a compass, without the captain,” the bar said in a Facebook post earlier this week. Olivo died unexpectedly in his home Monday evening. He loved helping people and he did it very generously," said Mathis. "He just had a big heart and he loved pleasing people. Coworkers and friends said he was known for taking care of patrons, often hosting free buffets at the bar. Olivo partnered up with several charities throughout the years. Gay & Lesbian (LGBTQ) bars, gay clubs, lesbian bar, gaybars, gay venues, gay nightlife & gay clubbing spots, find them at : Pa. "People looked up to him as a standard in the community, he was an icon in the community," said Mathis. It didn't need a whole bunch of fuss or fancy things, it just needed to be somewhere comfortable that people could enjoy," said Mitchell Buckley, a bartender and friend.īefore that, Olivo bartended at Apollo's and other Valley spots for years. "It was always important to pat to have a safe space for everybody, something comfy, something homey. It became a safe haven for the LGBTQ community. And a lot of people come here from all different walks of life and whatever orientation they are," said friend Tony Bartoli.
"It was important to the neighborhood, and not just the gay community, but to the neighborhood that this bar was a success. He said Olivo was called the "Godfather of Melrose." He bought Pat O's Bunkhouse Saloon in the Melrose District in 2002. I'm the luckiest man in the world, I don't know why he chose me as a partner, I'm the luckiest man in the world." "He had an infectious smile.And just the way he lit up the room whenever he'd enter a room," said Mathis. He said he was smart, kind and larger than life.
PHOENIX - The LGBTQ+ community is mourning the loss of a well-loved and well-known bar owner, Pat Olivo.īunkhouse Saloon, located in Phoenix’s Melrose District near 7th Avenue and Indian School Road, says Olivo recently passed away.ĭarren Mathis was Olivo's partner of 12 years.