Paul O. Oakes

Paul Otis Oakes, 92, of Salamanca, NY died early Saturday, August 19, 2017 at home in his sleep, following a prolonged illness.

Born April 5, 1925 in Napoli, NY, he was the son of the late John W. Oakes and Gladys Ames Oakes French. He was married on August 6, 1947 to the former Katherine “Kay” Blehar, who predeceased him on April 30, 2015.

Mr. Oakes was a veteran of the United States Army during World War II, serving with the 573rd AAA AW Battery A from August 1943 through deployment in the European Theatre from December 24, 1944 to the war’s end September 2, 1945.

He had been employed during the beginning of the war at the former Weston Bakery making K rations, and returned after the war, when he met his wife. He had also been employed at the former Fancher Furniture Company, Hunt’s Furniture Store, and most recently as a custodian for both Salamanca High School and Prospect Elementary School, prior to his retirement in 1990.

Paul and his father, John, completed construction on his house on Baker Street in 1950, where he and his wife lived for the rest of their lives. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, tending his flower gardens and yard, and helping his children and grandchildren with their various renovation projects.

Surviving are: two daughters, Linda Monk, Cortland, NY, Paula (John) Fargo, Alexandria, VA; two sons, Dennis (Laurie) Oakes, Michael (Cynthia Wilder) Oakes, both of Salamanca, NY; five granddaughters, Dr. Kati Fargo (Justin) Ahren, Oyster Bay, NY, Sara Fargo, Annadale, VA, Theresa (Hank) Rowland, Liverpool, NY, Diana Oakes, Syracuse, NY, Kayla Oakes, Salamanca, NY; four grandsons, Bryan Oakes, Grand Island, NE, Kevin Oakes, Syracuse, NY, Corey Oakes, Nathan Oakes, both of Salamanca, NY; four great-grandchildren; a brother, David (Eleanor) Oakes, Salamanca, NY; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Cathy Oakes, two grandsons, Cassius and Jason Monk, an older brother, John R. Oakes, and two infant brothers, Marvel and Lewis Oakes.

A memorial mass for both Paul and Kay Oakes will be held at Our Lady of Peace Parish on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Peter Napierkowski, pastor, as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.