Andrew Anthony Oakes, 88, of Harrington Park, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 15, 2024. He lived a life marked by creativity, faith, and deep family connections.
Growing up as one of ten children born to immigrant parents in Philadelphia during the 1930s and 1940s, Andrew experienced a childhood of modest means that would later inform his remarkable journey of achievement and invention. Andrew was a US Army veteran who earned a BFA from the Philadelphia College of Art and his master’s from Stanford University.
Andrew married a young woman he met at art school, Marcia Meaney in 1960. Their long relationship centered around their faith, their devotion to family, and a profound love of art and creativity. He enjoyed restoring antique radios and spending time helping his wife prepare and show her art.
As an accomplished industrial designer, Andrew made significant contributions across multiple fields, but he was particularly renowned for his groundbreaking work in medical equipment design. He developed, improved, and patented life-saving technologies for prominent companies like Becton Dickinson and Bayer, working early in his career under the mentorship of design legends Henry Dreyfuss and Walter Dorwin Teague.
Andrew is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Helen Marcia Oakes. His legacy continues through his three sons—Eric (and wife Kim), Christopher (and wife Mary), and Sean (and wife Rebecca)—and eight grandchildren: Brian, Kailee, Thomas, Daniel, Emma, Abigail, Andrew, and John. He is also survived by his sisters Josephine Parker and Rita Oakes, and is predeceased by his siblings Earle, John, Marie, Harry, Annie, Pauline, and Annette.
A man of innovation, faith, and family devotion, Andrew will be deeply missed by his loving relatives and friends.
Visiting hours are Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park, NJ with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
He was a rock to his beloved Marcia, and to me, and to all who loved him. And, like all of my brothers, a truly stellar man in every way. I can’t imagine a world without him ✝️☮️⚛️
To the accomplished and beloved Oakes family
I know that peace and love will live on through
The memory of andrew.
My memories of cornell ave and Earle and Marie
And the entire Oakes family is a treasure to be cherished. Andrew will forever be treasured through those memories.