Brian Adare Oakley

Brian Adare Oakley, 66, of Liberty, Pa. passed away peacefully at home on October 22, 2024 after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. Born in Montrose, Pa. on November 7, 1957 to Glenn and Charlaine (Jones) Oakley. He grew up in Nicholson, Pa. and graduated from Mountain View, Kingsley, Pa. in 1976. On January 14, 1978, he married Sherry Sampsell. Together, they raised their daughter and son.

As a teenager, he spent his summers working on his Uncle Paul’s dairy farm in Liberty. After graduating high school, he moved to Liberty. He was employed by Trimtex as a mechanic/foreman from 1977 until they closed their doors in 2009. Then, he attended and graduated with honors from Pennsylvania College of Technology in 2011 with a degree in HVAC. He worked for R. & J. Ertel, and Phoenix Trim before retiring.

Brian’s greatest treasure was his family. He was proud of his children and grandchildren. They brought many hours of joy and entertainment to his life. He enjoyed time spent helping on the Oakley farm and “shooting the bull” with his family and friends. Brian, an avid Cowboy’s fan, enjoyed watching football, reading, game nights with family and friends, and hunting.  In his younger years, he enjoyed playing basketball, softball and bowling. He started pitching modified fastpitch with his father and uncles when he was 14. He played and pitched for several teams in Canton and Wellsboro. He was an avid bowler, primarily bowling at Faxon and ABC lanes. He achieved the ultimate goal of bowling several 300 games.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Sherry, are his children, Breanne Thompson and Travis (Rachael) Oakley, grandchildren, Arianna Thompson, Glenn, Blake, Autumn, Olivia and Cash Oakley. Sisters, Glenda Kramer, Karen Oakley and Cheri Oakley. Mother-in-law, Gladys Sampsell, sisters-in-law, Robin (Seth) Kelchner, Brenda (Rich) Ehrler, LeeAnne (Jay) Sheats.  Many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Charlaine Oakley, father-in-law, Kenneth Sampsell, brother-in-law, Scott Kramer. Grandparents, Herbert and Dorothy (Snyder) Oakley and Emery and Margaret (Lord) Jones.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Mountaintop Grace Community, 6531 State Rte. 414, Liberty, with Pastor Terri Peck officiating.

In honor of Brian, feel free to wear your favorite flannel.