Obituary of Daniel C. Oakes

Daniel C. Oakes of 2105 Hastings Road passed away Monday, Feb. 27, 2012 surrounded by his loving family following a recent illness. Dan was born on Feb. 15, 1956 in Olean and was a son of Robert and Dorothy Karst Oakes. On June 27, 1981 in the Christ United Methodist Church he married his high school sweetheart, Lisa M. Hirsch, who survives. Dan was a graduate of Hinsdale Central School Class of 1974. He started his own business R & D Oakes Construction, Inc. right out of high school in 1974 and remained owner and President until 2002. Dan was an active Democrat and participated in local committees for many years. He was the Town of Olean Highway Superintendent from 1994-1998. He was also the Pleasant Valley Cemetery Superintendent for 12 years. Dan was a community-oriented man and was always willing to help others and various organizations including schools, churches and the "Christmas in April" program. Dan was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and was a member of the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department. He was a lifetime member in The Olean Rod and Gun Club as well as S.T.A.R.S. [Southern Tier Areo Radio Society]. One of his passions was taking an active role in his children's lives including his son's Boy Scouting activities and his daughter's two horses. He loved the outdoors and some of his favorite hobbies included boating with his family, hunting, motorcycling, flying both model and single-engine airplanes, and "digging in the dirt" with his array of heavy equipment. Dan truly loved his golden retriever Sara, his companion and loyal friend. He was a good natured man who always had a positive outlook on life and was known for his good sense of humor. Surviving Dan besides his loving and devoted wife of over 30 years are a daughter, Michel� L. (Matthew) Bell of Allegany; a son, Dana C. (Erika) Oakes of Olean; two grandchildren, Christian and Mason Oakes; and two sisters, Margaret "Peggy" Oakes of Olean and Kathryn (Gerald) Smith of Olean. Friends will be received in the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State Street, Olean on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and on Sunday, March 4, 2012 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at which time a Memorial Service will be held, Dr. Ronald J. Wright, will officiate. Burial will be in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Olean. Memorials may be made to the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department, Hinsdale, NY 14743. Online condolences may be made by clicking on the button above.