Donald J. Oakes, retired roofer
Mr. Donald "Donnie" J. Oakes of Wilmington passed away Thursday, April 14, 2011, at Christiana Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Donnie was born June 21, 1936, at St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington. He was the son of the late Harry L. and Edna M. (Lewis) Oakes.
Donnie graduated from Wilmington High School. He was an ironworker with Local 451, where he worked on the construction of several bridges in the Tri-State area. The most memorable was the second span of the Delaware Memorial Bridge, which opened Sept. 12, 1968. Later, Donnie worked for several roofing companies prior to starting his own business, "Oakes Roofing," until his retirement in 2007.
Donnie was an active member of St. Anthony's Catholic Club Holy Name Society and also a member of American Legion Post No. 127, Durney Post. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Union Street Social Club.
Donnie enjoyed fishing, crabbing and sitting on the beach, relaxing and watching the ocean. He also enjoyed football, especially the Philadelphia Eagles, with his family and his beloved grandchildren and friends.
Donnie will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 38 years, Ferdinanda "Faye" (Capparuccini) Oakes; three children, Donna M. Paulus and her husband Russell A. Paulus of Ocean View, Donald J. Oakes Jr., and Judith A. Oakes of Dover; six grandchildren Nicole DiBiaso, Russ, Stefanie and Meghan Paulus, Michael and Kelly Oakes; a great-granddaughter Aubrey Dufaj; his brother William M. Oakes (Trisha Meade) of Lewes; four sisters, Shirley A. McGinley (John) of Harbeson, Patricia E. Palmer (Thomas) of New Castle, Judith Franciscus (James) of Downingtown, Pa., and Kathleen M. Piunti (Timothy Harris) of New Castle; many nieces and nephews, especially nephew Francesco A. Vattilana, and niece, Daniella M. Share (Ryan) of North Hampton, PA; and great-nieces Jessica Marina and Alyssa Rose Share also of North Hampton, Pa. Surviving Donnie also are his mother-in-law Marina Capparuccini sister-in-law Maria Felicia Vattilana and brother-in-law Ezio Vattilana, all of Hockessin; and an aunt Florence Ventresca of Wilmington.
In addition to his parents, Donnie was predeceased by his brothers Robert B. Oakes Sr., and Harry R. "Juni" Oakes; and his father-in-law Francesco A. Capparuccini.
Family and friends are invited to Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 20, at St. Elizabeth's Roman Catholic Church, Cedar and Clayton streets. Calling hours are also Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Corleto-Latina Funeral Home, 808 N. Union St. Entombment will follow Mass in the True Faith Garden Mausoleum at Cathedral Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you to consider donations to St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, 809 S. Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19805.
