Joseph J Oakes III

Joseph J. Oakes III, 82, of Summit, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 29, 1942, in Philadelphia, PA, Joe was the son of Mary Emily (née Harlan) and Joseph J. Oakes, Jr. He was raised in Narberth, a close-knit suburb of Philadelphia, and later lived in Atlanta and Boston before settling in Summit, NJ in 1968, a town that would become the cherished home where he and his beloved wife, Lynne, raised their four children. Even before his children were born Joe coached CYO basketball and continued to volunteer as a coach for his children's sports teams, becoming a mentor to local youth.
Joe was a graduate of St. Joseph's University (Class of 1964) and continued his involvement as a proud alum, basketball enthusiast, a former trustee, a former recipient of the Haub School Hall of Fame and Shield of Loyola. Joe began his professional career in insurance where he soon was named president of Profesco, a division of John Hancock. In 1986 he became a General Agent for John Hancock Insurance in New York City, starting an independent firm called Acorn Financial Services. With a deep passion and commitment for helping others navigate life's financial complexities, his commitment to service and trust laid the foundation his sons continue to build upon.
Joe had a remarkable ability to connect with people. Whether it was through his work, his parish, or his community, he was known for his warmth, generosity, and unwavering dedication to others. A longtime and active parishioner at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Summit, he served faithfully as a Trustee for many years. His Catholic faith was a guiding light in his life.
In 1984, he founded The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children under Archbishop Peter Gerety, providing invaluable Catholic educational opportunities to disadvantaged youth, a cause that embodied Joe's deep commitment to equity and empowerment through education. Over the last 40 years they have provided $53,000,000 in scholarships to 62,000 students paving the way for them to continue their education.
Family was at the center of Joe's life. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. Summers in Avalon were treasured times, where he created lasting memories with his family, extended family and friends by the shore. Whether he was playing an early round of golf, buying his grandkids ice cream on the beach, or the countless family dinners, Joe loved being surrounded by the people he loved.
When he wasn't playing golf in Avalon, he found great joy and camaraderie at Baltusrol Golf Club. He served on the board for a number of years and enjoyed many dinners with friends.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Lynne (née Saurman) Oakes, his loving children, Kelly Quinn and her husband Sean, Joe Oakes IV and his wife Ali, Kristin O'Brien and her husband Pat, and Bill Oakes and his wife Cate. He was the dear brother of Mary Emily McCormick and her husband Brian, Chuck Oakes and his partner Robert, Michael Oakes and his wife Jennifer, and Pat Oakes and his wife Lori. Joe was the cherished grandfather of: Sean Quinn, Jr., Ryan Quinn, Maggie O'Brien, Evie Oakes, Morgan O'Brien, Colleen Quinn, Lily Oakes, Kevin O'Brien, Liam Oakes, Kylie O'Brien, Patrick Quinn, Joey Oakes V, Dylan Oakes, Quin Oakes and Kierstin Oakes. Joe is also survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Sunday, April 27th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Paul Ippolito Summit Memorial, 7 Summit Ave, Summit, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, April 28th at 10:00 AM at St. Teresa of Avila Church, Morris Ave, Summit, NJ. Entombment will follow at St. Teresa's Cemetery, Passaic Ave, Summit, NJ.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Joe's memory to The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children by visiting https://sficnj.org/donate/ or mailing a check to 171 Clifton Ave, Newark, NJ 07104.