Obituaries

Obituary: Charles H. Oxx, 89, Newport Police Officer, WWII Tank Driver

Charles H. Oxx, 89, Charles H. Oxx, 89, passed away peacefully in his home overlooking his beloved view of the Big Pond and Easton’s Beach on Tuesday February 4, 2014. 

Born in Newport, RI on October 19, 1924, to Edith (Boyd) and Harry Oxx, he lived most of his life in Newport . 

He was proud to have served in the U.S. Army during World War II as tank driver with the 763rd tank battalion in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of Operations. Upon returning from the war, he graduated from Rogers High School and on September 27, 1947, he married the love of his life, Emily Belle Siegrist, with Warren Karoli as his best man.

He retired from the Newport Police Department in July of 1976 after 25 years of service, but continued to participate in the Police Relief Association as an active member and famously led the Newport Police Parade riding atop his high-wheeler, dressed as a Keystone cop.

A genuine teaser at heart, Charlie was known for the twinkle in his eyes and his friendly, gentle manner. He was known as WaWa to his many friends at Cappy’s Hillside Café and on Thursday afternoons he could usually be found at his “club”, enjoying a beer and the news of the day.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Emily, his daughter Valerie Piner and son in law Richard, Sandy Oxx and her companion, Earl Feeney, many loving grandchildren; Liza (Josh) Heapes, Charlie and Casey Koppelson, Margo and Emily Derecktor, great-grandchildren Quinn and Cole Heapes. He also leaves his nephew Jan Siegrist, nieces Melinda Earley and Susan Siegrist and brother-in-law, Jack Siegrist. 

He was pre-deceased by his daughter Charlene Oxx, his sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Al Millington.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2014, from 4-7 in Hambly Funeral Home, 30 Red Cross Avenue in Newport. 

Funeral services will be held also at Hambly’s on Saturday, February 8 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to The Hillside Charitable Foundation, 8 Memorial Boulevard, Newport, RI 02840.


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