Obituary of Charlie Oakley

Charles L. Oakley, 85, of Sherwood St. Woodhull, passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester after being suddenly stricken at home the day before. Born in Elmira on February 18, 1938, Charlie was a son of the late Curtis Oakley and Marie Groves Oakley. He was a graduate of Woodhull High School. On September 5, 1957 Charlie married the former Ellen D. Walker, who survives. Charlie was a millwright and welder for Corning Inc. with 42 years of active employment. As a young man, Charlie served for 6 years in the US Army Reserve. He was also a life member of the Woodhull Fire Department, having been an active member for over 50 years. He was a past secretary of the fire department. Charlie enjoyed rabbit hunting and sharing Sunday morning breakfast with his eldest son Bruce. Charlie is survived by Ellen Oakley, his wife of 66 years, his sons, Bruce (Margie) Oakley of Woodhull, Damon (Kathy) Oakley of Somerville, MA and Jason Oakley of Woodhull, granddaughters, Carolyn (Derek) Nichols and Charlotte (Brian) Beck, great grandchildren, Isack, Logan, Maddison and Sophia, his brother, Allan (Sandy) Oakley of Corning and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his son, Dale T. Oakley on May 27, 1987 and his siblings, Kenneth Oakley, Stephen Oakley and Evelyn Jenks. Following Charlie’s wishes, there will be no public services. He will be laid to rest in Woodhull Cemetery. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Woodhull.