Overaye Akpotaire, regarded by many friends and family as the true definition of a great man, humble, kind-hearted and extremely friendly, died on December 25th, 2021. Overaye was born on June 1st, 1951 to Mr. John Akpotaire and Yellow Akpotaire in Delta State, Nigeria. He was kind, extremely intelligent and a humble man with a gentle heart.
He joined the Nigerian Air Force in 1973, rose to the ranks of Air Commodore and retired after 33 years of meritorious service. Throughout his career with the Nigerian Air Force, his excellence continued. He lived life to the fullest potential and left us all with wonderful memories.
Overaye was a true family man. Despite his service to his country and being an extremely busy man, he always put his family first. He regularly maintained very close communication with his wife and children. His children would often tease him and say ‘daddy you call too much’. What we would give for those calls today.
He taught his children about love, people, selflessness, service, humility and kindness. Overaye was the type of man who would give you the shirt off his back and still ask you if you were cold. He was a man of peace, and despite being a soldier disliked disputes or fighting of any kind.
It is of great comfort to the Akpotaire family and friends that Overaye lived a happy and successful life. In his later years, he truly embraced the role of ‘Grandpa’. He enjoyed laughing and playing with his grandchildren and became even closer to his children.
Overaye is survived by his wife, Florence Akpotaire, his children, Linda, Dafe, Ufuoma, Bob and Ejiro and his grandchildren Dafe John Junior Akpotaire, Omonigho Jayden Akpotaire, Tega Akpotaire, Oscar Brennan Akpotaire, William Akpotaire, Ariah Mila Akpotaire, Oluwasemilore Isabella Mesele, Ovie Oturugbu, Isla Oturugbu, Ogaga Oturugbu, and Elijah Okpodudu. He is also survived by many other relatives including his brothers Irikefe, Ebenezer, Goddey, sisters, and many friends; too many to list. He made a lasting impression in every life he touched but he will live on through the wonderful memories he leaves with us all. May his soul rest in peace.
Overaye’s funeral will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, January 8th in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with family from 9 through 10 AM. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.