Richard William Oakes passed away on February 11, 2026 at age 93, in Needham, Massachusetts. He was born in Newton, Massachusetts, the son of Grace and Richard W. Oakes. He served in the Korean war on board the USS Salem, which is permanently docked at the Naval Museum in Quincy, Massachusetts. He enjoyed volunteering at Glover Memorial Hospital, a/k/a Beth Israel Deaconess, Needham, Massachusetts, for 12 years. He had many friends throughout Needham.
He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Joan B. , and his brother-in-law, John J. Roche. He is survived by his sister Ann Poulos, daughter and husband, Judith Anne and Charles Laffey of Sun City Center, Florida, a son, William Oakes of Nevada, and his sister-in-law, Judith Roche of Cambridge, MA, three grandchildren and numerous cousins and extended family.
Burial will be in Needham, Massachusetts. To share a memory of Richard please visit www.eatonfuenralhomes.com
