John Oakley

John Hiawatha Oakley, known as “Slyfox”, 80 years of age, passed away December 17, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family.Born in Mashpee, the son of a Tribal Chief of the Wampanoag Indian Tribe, his father was the late Ellsworth Oakley and mother Eadella (Acevedo) Oakley. Raised and educated in Mashpee, he lived there until serving in the United States Army. After his service, he moved to Haverhill in 1958. He was employed at J.P. Tannery in Haverhill, Borden Chemical as Master Batch Operator and American Training where he was a Support Counselor for mentally challenged adults for over 14 years. John was a competitive body builder and competed regionally for many years.He was very proud of his Indian heritage and gave back tremendously to the culture. John was very active in promoting American Indian Culture throughout the region and was one of the founding members of the first Pow Wow in Haverhill over 30 years ago. He was devoted to his wife and family, a proud father, grandfather and great grandfather. His legacy will live on through his family and the American Indian Culture he helped to promote. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.John is survived by his wife Claire M. (Theriault) Oakley of Haverhill his children, Terry John Oakley, Philip Comeau, Marie Barnes, Donna Comeau, Patricia Walker, Susan Comeau, Ricky Comeau, Thomas Comeau, Dianne Anthony, Laureen Lavallee and Nelson Lavallee several grandchildren and great grandchildren a brother Ellsworth Oakley of Cape Breton a sister Christine Oakley of New Bedford and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Ronald Oakley and Irving “Chico” Oakley.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, December 23 from 2:00PM until 5:00PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. In Lieu of flowers Contributions can be made too: Mass Center for Native American Awareness 85 Constitution Lane Suite3b1 Danvers Massachusetts 01923.Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com