Mr. Oakley Bathrick Jr.

Oakley Bathrick Jr., age 85, of Athens, NY, passed away peacefully on May 4th, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Oakley was born on April 11, 1932, in the Village of Athens, to the late Oakley (Sr.) and Dorothy (Proper) Bathrick. On September 12, 1951, Oakley and the love of his life, Sarah Sauerzopf were wed. They made their home, and raised their 5 children in Athens. Oakley was drafted and inducted into the US Army at the US Post Office in Albany, NY on September 5, 1952. Following quick stops at Ft. Devins, MA and Ft. Dix, NJ, Oakley took basic training at Ft. Knox, KY. Upon graduation, he stopped briefly at Camp Stoneman in the bay area of California. Next, he was transported by troop ship to Osaka, Japan in preparation for his deployment to Korea. Oakley landed at Inchon, Korea and was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division, 17th Infantry, 2nd Battalion, Fox Company. After approximately 16 to 18 months in Korea, Oakley returned to the states and was honorably discharged at Ft. Dix, NJ on September 4, 1954. A hard working provider, Oakley had several occupations during his lifetime. Most recently he was employed at the E. J. Arthur Elementary School, for 25+ years as a custodian until his retirement in 1995. Oakley had several hobbies which included raising and racing pigeons, attending bird shows, tinkering in “Pop’s Garage” as it was fondly known, building bird houses and wooden holiday figures. He also spent much of his time at Dutchman’s Landing in Catskill, watching boats, feeding the birds and squirrels and enjoying nature. Oakley is survived by his 5 children: Patricia (Henry) Helmedach of Catskill, Joyce (Michael) Vascellaro of Winterhaven, FL, Brenda LaMora of Guilderland, Oakley (Linda) Bathrick III of Athens and Dorothy Miller of Catskill, his 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren: Heather Buffa and her children Sarah and Joshua of Catskill, Kristi (Ivan) Morales and their children Demetrio and Civana of Cairo, Kayla LaMora and her son Wolfgang Hart of Rotterdam, Kimberley LaMora of Jacksonville, FL, Ashleigh Bathrick of Athens and Martin “Tyler” Miller of Coxackie. Oakley is also survived by his long time friend Eileen Glass and his special friends at Burger King. In addition to his parents, Oakley was predeceased by his brother Donald Bathrick, and his beloved wife Sarah. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the Critical Care Unit at Columbia Memorial Hospital for their care and compassion during the final days of Oakley’s life. Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours on Monday, May 8th, 2017 from 6-8pm and Tuesday, May 9th, 2017 from 11am-12pm at Richards Funeral Home of the Mid Hudson Valley Inc., 28 N. Vernon St., Athens, NY 12015. A Funeral Service will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 9th, 2017 at 12pm. Interment in the family plot of the Athens Rural Cemetery with full military honors will immediately follow the service. To honor his love of animals, in lieu of flowers donation may be made in Oakley’s memory to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 125 Humane Society Rd., Hudson, NY 12534.

Mr. Oakley Bathrick Jr.

April 11, 1932 - May 4, 2017