Dennis Allan Oakley
Dennis Allan Oakley of Pine Island, Florida, passed away on April 11, 2021. Denny is survived by his five children, son Tim, daughters Carla and Monica (Dylan), stepdaughters Kimberly, Robin (Mike), grandchildren Zachary, Brittany, Andrew, Troy Allan, Rilea, Peyton, Reegan, Emerson, and Aidyn, great-grandchildren Myles, Briella, Isaiah, Maverick, and Ja’Ziah, his brothers Timmy Kay (Laura) of Ambridge, Pennsylvania, his newly found biological family, brothers Spero (Cindy), Mitchell (Cindy), Mark (Lecia), Daniel (Penny), Ken, Mike and Jody, sisters, Sandy, Connie (Roger), Hope, Barbara, and Ruth as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends that he loved. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy, just five days earlier, parents Stanley Oakley and Anastacia “Nellie” Oakley Kay, biological parents William Bateman and Georgia Foundos, and two granddaughters Sarah and Emily.
Born in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, in 1948, Denny was raised in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, and lived there much of his life. He graduated from Ambridge High School in 1966. In 1989, he was asked by a former co-worker to move to Pine Island to help manage Harvey Brothers Farms. Accepting the offer and the opportunity to move to paradise, he relocated his family. While he never regretted the decision, he always referred to Ambridge as “home.” He was known as “Mr. Denny” or “Pop-Pop” by many of the island kids his wife Kathy would have at her home daycare. He saw himself as her “co-worker” and believed it was his job was to get the kids wound up with dancing, singing, and running around, much to our mother’s dismay. Denny loved telling stories of his time growing up in Ambridge and the memories he had of his friends and his family, especially his grandparents, who were from Ukraine. No matter how old they got, he always referred to his brother, Timmy, as his “kid brother,” and he loved him through thick and thin. Denny loved his grandchildren and created memories with them that will last them a lifetime. They loved their Pop-Pop, and several of them will remember their pre-school pick-ups and the extra snacks and treats he would sneak them.
Denny’s life took an interesting turn about three years ago when his daughter Monica took an Ancestry DNA test, which led to discovering his biological family. The most incredible part of this story is that Denny and his biological brother Spero, known as Butchie, were school friends who lived just a few blocks from each other growing up, but never knew they were brothers. Butchie and Denny were able to meet and spend time together as adults, who both were very grateful for. This also resulted in Denny finding several other siblings that he was hoping to one day meet face to face.
Denny owned more shirts than any one person should have, never had a hair out of place, loved spending time with his family and friends, traveling and cruising, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. There wasn’t a Sunday that he didn’t have his blanket, jersey, and Terrible Towel laid out, ready to cheer them on. He was especially fond of spending time with his friends of more than 40 years, Donna and Clark, who he always referred to as “my buddy Clark.”
The family is grateful for the love and support they have received. Services will be announced for both of our parents at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to De LaSalle Academy, 6401 Techster Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33966