Obituary of C. Oakford

Funeral Information for "The Candy Man" C. Brooks Oakford Home: Cinnaminson, New Jersey Birthdate: May 18, 1923 Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Date of Death: November 29, 2013 Age: 90 Service Information: Tuesday December 3, 2013 Noon First Presbyterian Church, 10 West Maple Avenue,Merchantville,NJ 08109 Visitation Information: Tuesday December 3, 2013 from 9:00 AM to Noon First Presbyterian Church, 10 West Maple Avenue, Merchantville,NJ 08109 Biography: "The Candy Man" C. Brooks Oakford, age 90 of Cinnaminson, formerly of Merchantville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family on November 29, 2013. Brooks Oakford's greatest joys in life were his Family, his business and spending time with neighbors and friends in Stone Harbor. He married his high school sweetheart, Bunny Hudson.  Between courting her and their sixty-six year marriage they spent seventy-three years together.  He was a wonderful Dad and patriarch, forever present in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In Merchantville and all over South Jersey, he was known as "the Candy Man".  Upon the death of his father, Charles Oakford, he first entered the business where he discovered his passion for making candy.  Through his vision and hard work he transformed the business to a successful, thriving South Jersey landmark, Aunt Charlotte's Candies.  When the business passed into the hands of two daughters, he continued to be the face of the business.  He would often be seen at the store, always nattily attired, talking with the customers.  His trade mark was flipping crisp one dollar bills allowing the customers to call heads or tails and claim them. Beloved husband of 66 years to Bunny (nee Hudson); devoted father of Candy (Neal) Curry, Gail (Dave) Humes, Randy Oakford and Penny (Rick) Trost; loving grandfather of Dana (John) Cornog, Clay (Sarah) Curry, Dave Humes, Ryan and Cara Trost and great grandfather of Kayleigh and Tyler; dear brother of Helen (the late Vernon) Collins. Brooks was a graduate of Merchantville High School, class of 1942 and a United States Army veteran of World War II.  He was a member of many clubs and organizations including; First Presbyterian Church of Merchantville, Merchantville Lions Club, State Health Inspector for Merchantville and Cinnaminson, volunteer fireman with Niagara Fire Company in Merchantville, Merchantville Architectural Committee, President of Merchantville Chamber of Commerce, President of Philadelphia Retail Confectioners Association.  He was named "Mr. Merchantville" by the Junior Women's Club and was also honored by the Senior Women's Club with the Beautification of Business award. Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation on Tuesday (December 3rd) from 9 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 10 West Maple Ave., in Merchantville, where a memorial service will be held at 12 noon. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations  be made to First Presbyterian Church (at the above address).  Interment is private. Arrangements under the direction of Falco/Caruso & Leonard Funeral Homes, (856) 665-0150.  Information, condolences and guestbook at www.carusocare.com . The family would like memorial donations to the First Presbyterian Church, 10 West Maple Avenue, Merchantville, NJ 08109.