Robert E. Oakes Sr.

AGE: 77 TOMS RIVER

Robert E. Oakes Sr., 77, of Toms River, passed away Monday, April 12, 2010, at Community Medical Center, Toms River. Born in East Orange, he lived in Kearny, then in Nutley for 30 years before moving to Toms River eight years ago. He was the son of the late Marian Taggart and Joseph Oakes. Bob graduated from St. Cecelia's High School in Kearny and attended Rutgers University and the American Institute of Banking. He was employed by Verizon as a directory advertising representative for 35 years, retiring in 1998. Bob had a passion for entertaining ever since he recorded two rock-n-roll hit singles in 1956 on the Savoy label. He continued to be a bandleader, drummer, and singer in the North Jersey area for over 50 years. As recently as October 2009, he recorded a CD of Jazz Christmas songs with his son. He coached for Nutley Recreational Soccer for seven years. Bob was a member of the Telephone Pioneers and Old Guard of Pt. Pleasant. He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus Council 2346, St. Mary's Church, Nutley, attaining the Third Degree.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 47 years, Anna Mae (Wiedman); his daughter, Suzanne Kelly and her husband Joseph of Ridgewood; two sons, John Oakes and his wife Cassie of Rockaway Township, and Robert E. Oakes Jr. and his partner Kate Smith of Tyringham, Mass.; and three beloved grandchildren, Morgan and JP Kelly and Jack Oakes.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 15 at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, April 16 at St. Mary's Church, 17 Monsignor Owens Place, Nutley. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery, Bloomfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to Nutley Volunteer Rescue Squad, 119 Chestnut St., Nutley, NJ 07110 or Holiday City of Berkeley First Aid Squad, 100 Port Royal Drive, Toms River, NJ 08757