Alfred H. Ostrand

1926 - 2018

Alfred H. Ostrand

Newark, Delaware - Al Ostrand passed away on April 4, 2018. He was born in Westmont NJ on September 16, 1926 to his mother Bedell and his father Alfred Sr. He is survived by his two sons, Frederick and Philip and his daughter Elaine. He has five grandchildren and four great grand children.

He graduated high school early at 16 then entered the US Navy in the V 12 Officer Training program at Yale University. After the war he was received from a BA in economics from Yale. Al moved to work in Nashua NH, where he met the love of his life Gerry. They married soon after and with their daughter Elaine moved to Wilmington DE to a new job with DuPont.

In Wilmington the family grew with son Rick and later son Phil. He continued with DuPont and then after retiring formed his own consulting company . After retirement he and Gerry travelled extensively. Visiting Europe and reconnecting with his extended family in Sweden.

Al had many passions in his life to which he was devoted. He was a member of the Yale swim team during its glory years, and continued swimming at the Y, the JCC, and Lane Swim Club. He was a legend at the JCC for swimming every day. On his 90th birthday he swam ¾ of a mile to celebrate. One of his pleasures was marking his mileage on the board there after each swim. In politics, dad was active in the Republican Party throughout his life. He was always working behind the scenes to help Gov. Russ Peterson, Sen. Bill Roth and others. In 1982 he was recognized for his help with the Energy Task Force by President Reagan. He worked with the Yale Alumni Committee and served with them for years. He was an active volunteer with the Kalmar Nickel Foundation and the Delaware Swedish Colonial Society.

Dad taught his children - respect, humility and perseverance. Al climbed Mt Rainer, drove the Chevy wagon to Bar Harbor loaded with kids and gear, body surfed with his sons before an approaching storm at Fenwick Island, was there for all three children during their trials of life, and their celebrations. He had a deep appreciation of nature, beauty and an understanding of the rhythms of life. Dad was always there for each of his family when he was asked and needed. We will miss our father. But we also feel incredibly grateful that he was in our lives, and helped shape each of us to be who we are today. Thank you Dad! We love you.

There will be no public memorial service. The family asks that donations be made to the Kalmar Nickel Foundation, 1124 East 7th St., Wilmington DE 19801 or the Delaware Swedish Colonial Society, 726 Loveville Rd., No 59, Hockessin, DE 19707.

For online condolences, please visit www.Chandlerfuneralhome.com