East Hampton Old Home Days Mourns Loss of Russell Oakes

Post from East Hampton Old Home Days:

It is with great sadness that we, the members of the East Hampton Old Home Day Association, share the news of the passing of Russell Oakes.

Russ has been involved with OHD for many years and while serving many roles, his most prized function was that of Parade Chairman. Russ worked tirelessly contracting and negotiating local bands and drum corps, local and state police, state representatives among others.

Russ loved seeing our town come together with floats from our organizations and businesses. There was no greater OHD joy for Russ than to watch the hundreds of men, women and children line the streets of our town to watch the longest running parade in Middlesex county!

We watched year after year as Russ would enthusiastically share with our group what band he had secured, or if the Mummers would be joining that year. His excitement was felt by all of us. Assisted by his wife Sheila and their 6 children (and 9 grandchildren), the parade came together year after year like a well oiled machine.

It is a sad day for us and we ask that you keep Russ and Sheila and their family in your thoughts at this difficult time.

In Memory of Russell Oakes

Jennifer Spaulding Marozzi: What a wonderful legacy he leaves behind...he will be dearly missed by our community. Surely, this year’s parade should reflect his memory in some way. Rest well, Mr. Oakes.

Lynn Prevost Minnick: He loved East Hampton and leaves behind a wonderful legacy.

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