Berlin – Ralph Otis Oakes, Jr., 46, of Satterlee Hollow Road in Berlin, NY, died on Thursday, March 5, 2009, at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY, after being stricken on his way to the hospital.
Born July 8, 1962, he was the son of the late Ella Mae Crandall Oakes and Ralph O. Oakes, Sr. and the step-son of Lenore D. “Dolly” Crandall of Berlin. A resident of Berlin his whole life, Ralph attended Berlin schools. He worked for Charlie Hewitt Foundations, Northeast Pallet and W. J. Cowee, Co., Inc. before becoming disabled in 1985.
Survivors besides his father and step-mother include his fiancee, Celia M. Gundrum, and unborn child with whom he resided, his son, Jeremiah D. Oakes of Cambridge, NY, his former wife, Melissa A. “Missy” Oakes of Bennington, VT, his siblings, Philip D. Oakes of Berlin, Connie L. Oakes of Green Island, NY, and Melissa Dane of Hoosick Falls, NY, his step-siblings, Lisa S. Granger of Hartford, NY, Lori Stanley of Wilton, NY, Mark Salvi of Berlin, Brian Salvi of Richmond Hill, GA, Todd Crandall of Grafton, NY, and Debbie Adler of Whitehall, NY, and his step-children, George, Scott and Cheryl Bentley, along with seven step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Per Ralph’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours or services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home of Petersburgh, NY.