John F. Oakes

AKWESASNE – Mr. John F. Oakes, age 92, of 10 Hilltop Drive, St. Regis unexpectedly passed away Friday morning, June 14, 2013 at his home.

John was born July 4, 1920 in St. Regis, the son of the late Angus and Mary Porke Oakes. He attended school in St. Regis. On July 17, 1941, John married Isabelle E. Stady at the St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Jacobs, officiating. Isabelle predeceased him on February 27, 2007.

“Cadillac John” as he was known to his many ironworker friends, was an ironworker with Local 6 in Buffalo and Local 440 in Utica for many years. He also worked as a foreman for Bethlehem Steel working all over the country, mainly building bridges. He was a lifelong communicant of St. Regis Catholic Church, where he served as an altar boy for many years as a child. He was also a member of the Michael Jacobs Knights of Columbus Council #10423. John dedicated his life to raising his children and helping raise many of his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching his lacrosse and hockey, watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports, and truly loved to get in his car and just drive around.

John is survived by his children, Christine Oakes of Syracuse; Joseph and Loretta Oakes of Akwesasne; Lorraine Oakes of Akwesasne; Walter Oakes of Akwesasne; James Oakes and his companion, Sharon Thomas of Akwesasne; Victor and Rhonda Oakes of Akwesasne; and Janice and Larry Greenfield of Fulton. He is also survived by his 73 loving grand and great grandchildren, who he was instrumental in raising, 2 great great grandchildren; by his brother, Levi Oakes of Akwesasne; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his children, John Michael Oakes on May 25, 1979, May Jane Oakes in 1945; Enos Oakes on November 16, 1959, Jackie and Roy Oakes in infancy; and Angus Oakes on December 24, 2007; grandsons, Joseph Porter on September 28, 1995; Casey Oakes on May 1, 1993; great grandsons, Jazz Jacobs on January 3, 1997 and Niklas Adams-Thompson on January 14, 2010; his sister, Margaret H. Pyke on June 7, 1993; and 2 brothers, Samuel J. Oakes on August 14, 1979 and Lawrence C. Oakes, Sr. on April 29, 2000.

Friends called at his home Monday, June 17th until a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at the St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Jerome Pastores, celebrating. Burial will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where condolences and memories may be shared online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.