NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  

Chester L. Oakes 82 of North Adams, died May 31, 2026.

He was born in Norfolk, Virginia October 1, 1943, a son of George R. Oakes and Helen Hope Dowdy, Oakes, Fournier.

A longtime resident of North Adams, he attended local schools and he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1960 serving as a radioman in Washington, DC. He received his GED while serving his country.

He returned to North Adams in 1964. He worked at General Cable and General Electric and worked for the Postal Service for 38 years. He served for 37 years in Williamstown as a Mail Carrier.

Chester leaves two daughters, Renee (Bart) Cangialose of Weirs Beach, NH and Michelle Joiner of Hatfield, MA; Two sisters, Helen Perry, and Philomene (Ric) Belair; brothers, Charles (Dorothy) Oakes, Raymond (Fran) Oakes, and George (Sandy) Oakes; grandchildren, Bart Cangialose Jr, and Llise Cangialose; and nieces and nephews and great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a sister, Elaine Hewitt; grandson, Grant Joiner; and Jeffrey Wilkinson.

He also leaves his best friend and caretaker, Cindy Wilkinson; Melissa, Eric, and Emelia Rustin.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A graveside service with full military honors for Chester Oakes will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Southview Cemetery.

The Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, North Adams, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the Veterans Affairs or Alzheimer's Association or through the funeral home.