Obituary of Brigadier General David Oakes, III

Brigadier General David Oakes, III, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with ALS. He lived to see 81 years of life and left a legacy of commitment, hard work, and compassion.

David was born on December 31, 1944, to Thomas and Jeanne Oakes, and was raised on the family farm, Oakeside Farm, alongside his beloved sisters, Pam and Susan. His early years were shaped by the values of hard work, discipline, and a deep appreciation for family and country. Inspired by his father, a pilot and Vice President for Eastern Airlines, David developed a passion for aviation at a young age, which would define the course of his life.

He attended The Stony Brook School on Long Island before earning an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. There, David distinguished himself both academically and as a cadet, completing a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. His pursuit of knowledge continued throughout his military career, earning Master’s degrees from both Auburn University and Harvard University. David was known for his sharp intellect, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

David proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for over three decades. As a skilled fighter pilot and respected leader, he dedicated his life to protecting the nation and mentoring the next generation of airmen. His exceptional service culminated in his promotion to Brigadier General on July 1, 1990; an honor reserved for those who demonstrate extraordinary leadership, dedication, and integrity.

While his military career was a central part of his life, David’s greatest joy was his family. He shared a loving and devoted marriage with his wife, JoAnn, and together they raised two daughters. The family’s journey took them across the country and beyond, creating lasting memories at each duty station and strengthening the close bond they shared.

Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1994, David returned to Oakeside Farm, where he embraced a quieter life rooted in the land he loved while also devoting his additional time working at Columbia Air Services in Groton Connecticut. He took great pride in tending to the farm, caring for the horses, and enjoying the simple pleasures of home. He was an avid sports fan, faithfully cheering on the Yankees and the Giants, and found particular joy in taking his cherished Corvette out for drives on warm summer days.

David will be remembered as a man of honor, intelligence, and deep devotion—to his country, his family, and his community. His legacy of service and strength will live on in all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his daughter, Christie Oakes, his grandchildren, Gillian and Liam Oakes, his partner, Patricia Giammetta, his sisters, Pam Oakes Felton and Susan Oakes Ingersoll as well as a wealth of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and colleagues who will remember him fondly. It is now that David is reunited in Paradise with those who passed before him; his wife, JoAnn Oakes, and his daughter, Tiffany Doswell Oakes. 

If you would like to contribute to David’s memory in your own way, please consider making a charitable contribution to Tunnels to Towers, or to the ALS Association. Memorial Donations can be made by clicking the appropriate tabs to the left of the obituary.

Please join us in celebrating the life of this incredible man on Tuesday, April 14, from 4 to 7 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 10 AM at St. Clement Church, 154 Mt Pleasant Ave, Dover, NJ 07801.

To learn more about the details of David’s distinguished military service, please visit this link. Please use this page to leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let David’s light shine!