MERIDEN, CT – Michael R. Oakes, 74, of Meriden, CT, passed away Friday, January 18, 2013 at Masonicare in Wallingford, CT. Born November 17, 1938 in Brattleboro, VT. Michael was the son of the late Francis and Patricia (McGough) Oakes.
In his childhood years, Michael lived in Russell, MA and traveled to Westfield to attend St. Mary’s High School where he was a graduate from the class of 1957. He later began a long career in Retail Management for several large retailers including Kings Department Store and ending with Nu-Stars Department Store of Wallingford, CT. Michael loved race cars and attended many races both at the Riverside Race Track and the Stafford Motor Speedway. He was also an avid Red Sox fan.
Besides his parents, Michael was predeceased by his wife, Mary (Cain) Oakes in 2001; and sister, Patricia Ann Evangelist in 1981. He is survived by a sister, Mary Kay Pero and her husband Kyle from Salisbury, CT; several nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews, and a few best friends, especially Joe Madley from Wallingford, CT.
A funeral mass for Michael will be held Saturday, January 26th at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Bartlett Street, Westfield, MA. Calling hours will precede the mass from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Robert E. Cusack Funeral Home, 94 Main Street. (Route 20) Westfield, MA. Burial will be in the Spring in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Brattleboro, VT.
Memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
