John B. Oakley

Casselberry, FL - John B. ?Red? Oakley, Ret. Deputy Chief of the Newport Fire Department, 82 of 1079 Laura Street Casselberry, Florida, formerly of 123 Carroll Avenue, Newport, died January 6, 2003 at his residence in Casselberry, Florida.He was the husband of the late Eleanor F. Peirson Oakley. Born in Newport, RI on March 23, 1920, he was the son of the late John B. and Helen Hussey Oakley.Mr. Oakley known to his family and friends as ?Red? served in the United States Navy, during the Pacific Theatre. He became a firefighter in 1947 with the Newport Fire Department for 31 years retiring on July 1, 1978 as deputy chief. He retired to Florida and became a member of the Casselberry Mens Club, and the Casselberry Homeowners Association, also serving on their Board of Directors. He is survived by his son John B. Oakley Jr. of Middletown, RI, his sister Helen Cronwell of Houston, TX, seven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.He was the father of the late Roger A. Oakley and Barbara J. Oakley, and the brother of the late Sidney Oakley and George Oakley. His funeral will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2003, at 11:00AM, in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. Burial will be in the family lot in Middletown Cemetery in Middletown.Donations in his memory may be made to the Newport Rescue Wagon Fund, 21 W. Marlborough Street, Newport, RI 02840.