Francis E. Oakley, 90, of Southbury, died peacefully February 25, surrounded by his children. He was born November 15, 1922, in the Bronx, N.Y.

Mr Oakley is a veteran of World War II. He enlisted in the US Navy and served with Seabees in the South Pacific. Through the GI Bill, he graduated from Manhattan College as a civil engineer in 1949.

His children Eileen Brooks and Cecilia Marino of Newtown, Virginia Kemper of St Louis, Mo., Patty Oakley of Lakeville, Mass., Ed Oakley of Yardley, Penn., Grace Dennison of Redding, and Charlotte Slater of Corcoran, Minn.; their spouses Kevin Brooks, Jim Kemper, Jory Dennison, Susan Weidle, and Forrest Slater; 14 grandchildren; Peter Mathieu; and his sister Mary Kane of Dayton, Ohio survive Mr Oakley. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Evelyn (Worgull), whom he married in 1953.

After leaving New York City, the Oakleys lived in Brewster, N.Y., South Salem, N.Y., and then retired to St Petersburg, Fla., before moving to Southbury.

As a devout Catholic he was very active in St Lawrence OToole in Brewster, and St Marys Parish in Ridgefield.

A civil engineer, Mr Oakley operated his own construction company. A fierce Pinochle player and avid outdoorsman, he remained active throughout his whole life, whether it be jogging, Aikido, cycling, swimming, or taking the grandchildren for a hike in the woods. Of all his interests, his family was always the most important.

The family wishes to thank the many caregivers, especially the staff at River Glen in Southbury, where he has received loving care the last few years.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Services: A Mass of Christian burial will take place Saturday, March 2, at 10: 15 am, at St Marys Catholic Church, 55 Catoonah Street, in Ridgefield.

Visitation: He will be waked on Friday, March 1, at the Southbury Funeral Home of Munson Lovetere, 235 Main Street North from 5 to 8 pm.