Richard F. Oakland

Richard Francis Oakland is survived by his beloved wife, Claudine G. (Hattat) Oakland. He was the son of the late Lawrence A. and Lemyra M. (Thompson) Oakland. He was predeceased by his brothers John R. Oakland, Joseph E. Oakland, Eugene Oakland, and Lawrence A. Oakland, Jr., and by his sister Margaret M. Veresko.

He is lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Susan McKenna, Cindy MacKenzie, Lynn McDonald, Margaret Veresko, Eugene Oakland, Donald Oakland, David Oakland, Peter Oakland, Paul Oakland, Lawrence Oakland, and Christopher Oakland.

Richard attended The Cleary School and graduated from St. Raphael’s Academy in 1952, where he lettered in hockey and outdoor track. He served proudly in the U.S. Army as a Microwave Radio Repairman from 1958 until his honorable discharge in 1960, receiving the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal, and the European–African Eastern Theater Campaign Medal.

While stationed in France, Richard met his beautiful wife, Claudine. They were married on Christmas Eve 1960 before beginning their life together in the United States. They shared a wonderful love story, living in Connecticut, California, and Florida before settling in Bristol, Rhode Island, in 2009. In 2023, they moved to Tockwotton on the Waterfront.

Richard began his career at Raytheon and later worked for several companies in semiconductor sales, a role that took him around the globe. He was an avid skier who also loved sailing, jazz, and history. Richard will be fondly remembered for his warmth, curiosity, and the joy he took in sharing his knowledge with those fortunate enough to spend time with him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Church in Warwick, RI. Visiting hours will be held prior to the Mass, beginning at 9:00 a.m., at Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road, Warwick, RI 02886.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's memory should be made to St. Raphael Academy, www.saintrays.org/give/