Mitchell Oakes

Mitchell Oakes

AGE: 67 • Fort Myers



Mitchell W. "Mitch" Oakes of Fort Myers, FL, formerly of Smyrna and Delaware City, DE, was called from this life on July 12, 2015 at the age of 67.

Born November 7, 1947 in Wilmington, DE, he was the beloved son of the late Francis and Beatrice Oakes and second oldest brother of nine siblings. He attended Holy Cross Elementary and High School, and graduated from Gunning Bedford High School in 1965. Mitch served our country with the Military Police in Vietnam in the United States Army and moved to Florida in 1977 to follow the family tradition of growing and selling produce, eventually opening Oakes Brothers Produce Market in 1985.

He is survived by his two children, the pride of his life, Rocky J. Oakes (Jessica) of Mount Airy, NC, and Tara J. Oakes of Franklin, NC, five grandchildren, Seth, Levi, Mica, Isaac, and Anna; two brothers, Rick Oakes (Maureen) of Newark, DE, Bill Oakes (Jenn) of Newark, DE; four sisters, Bonnie Giordano (Chuck) of Downingtown, PA, Connie Poultney (Len) of Middletown, DE, Theresa Ashbrook (Dave) of Middletown, DE and Kim Barba of Glen Mills, PA. Mitch is also survived by six nieces and five nephews and predeceased by his older brother Francis A. Oakes, youngest brother Donald W. Oakes, nephew, Kellen J. Poultney, and his beloved daughter Mandy M. Oakes.

Mitch will be remembered for his cutting wit and colorful personality which he used to bring a smile to any and every situation. His sense of humor was surpassed only by his generosity, loyalty and incredible humility. He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed the race tracks and playing cards, but nothing brought him more joy than family. He left this world a better place in leading a simple honest life.

Friends and family may gather from 6-7pm and Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 7pm on Monday, July 20, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 321 E. Main Street, Middletown, DE. Interment will be private at Glenwood Cemetery, Smyrna, DE.