Warren T. Oates Jr.

Warren T. Oates, Jr. entered eternal life on February 11, 2023, at Christian Healthcare in Wyckoff, New Jersey with his loving wife Corethia by his side. Warren was born in the Bronx, New York, to the late Warren T. Oates, Sr. and Eleanor Oates, and was raised in New Milford, New Jersey with his two younger siblings, Richard and Colleen A. Oates, who predeceased him. He cherished being a Grad of Lake Delaware Boys’ Camp (LDBC – an Episcopal boy’s camp) in Delhi, New York where he spent his summers throughout his youth. Warren’s close lifelong friends, Bob Davidson, who predeceased him, and Fred Ebbesen of Neenah, WI often enjoyed taking their “husbands only trips” to places far and near; notably, China, Ireland, or the Davidson’s New Jersey shore summer home. Warren attended Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in Teaneck, New Jersey, where he earned his BS & MBA. He served on the Board of Governors, an Alumni Board for over 30 years and retired Emeritus and past President/Trustee. Warren was the first recipient of the Elia G. Stratis CASTLE Award and received honorariums including The Pinnacle Award, the university's highest honor. He was also a Benefactor of FDU for over 25 years with the support of his wife, Corethia. While attending FDU full-time nights and working full-time days, he became the youngest officer and retired after 25 years from Mobil Corporation as Corporate Secretary. He then took a year off and worked at Philips Electronics North America and retired 19 years later as Corporate Secretary. Warren also served as Trustee for Project Literacy of Bergen County, New Jersey, and former President of Literacy Volunteers of America and retired Emeritus from that Board after over 30 years. Warren met his beloved Corethia while attending a volunteer fair with his sister Colleen. Warren said that he knew he would marry Corethia the day he met her. Warren and Corethia married at LDBC in St Joseph's Chapel Grad’s Weekend of 2003, the first wedding ceremony there since the 1940s. St. Joseph’s Chapel has the country’s oldest pump organ, and the fairytale wedding was organized by the campers in 25 hours. The service was performed by Fr. Donahue, who was there during Warren’s youth, and the camp Directors Fr. Jim Adams and his wife Susan. The campers (100 inner city boys) were in full dress in attendance, which ended with a Sabre walk. Warren and Corethia spent many holidays in Orlando, “where dreams come true”. They enjoyed traveling to Europe, most notably the Passion play in Oberammergau, Germany; France; Switzerland; Prague, and England. They were engaged in Abaco, Bahamas and spent their honeymoon in Bangkok and Hong Kong. They were known for their July 4th Cookouts with family and friends. The late Carl Posey, “the caterer to the stars” including Bob & Ziggy Marley, Superman, other movie and TV productions, but most notably Corethia’s parents 60th anniversary, Warren and Corethia’s wedding celebrations, and LDBC Annual Picnic. Warren was baptized and they both joined Community Baptist Church, (CBC) of Englewood, New Jersey where they worshiped faithfully. Warren and Corethia participated in Couples Ministry, Couples Retreats, as well as other activities of the church. They traveled with Pastor, Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. to the Baptist Convention in New Orleans. Warren also supported his wife, an active Music Ministry member and attended her performances when Pastor Taylor brought the CBC experience to Carnegie Hall, New York. Warren’s personality and good nature were as big as his 6-foot 4 stature. He had a joke and friendly handshake for all those he came across, not to mention his Warren hug, which we all will miss. Warren is survived by his devoted wife Corethia, father and mother-in-law Lawrence E. and Corethia M. Griffin, brothers-in-law; Lorenzo E, Larry E., And Lloyd E.Griffin and his wife Pamela, sister-in-law Muriel E. Griffin, a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, church family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Fairleigh Dickinson University and/or Lake Delaware Boys Camp in memory of Warren T. Oates, Jr. Viewing will be held at Community Baptist Church of Englewood, 224 First Street, Englewood, NJ 07631, on Saturday, February 18, 2023 from: 9-11AM. Homegoing Service will begin at 11AM. Repast to follow immediately after the service.

Warren T. Oates Jr.

March 5, 1945 - February 11, 2023