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Eric Oswald Obituary
Rochester - Eric S. Oswald joined the Lord unexpectedly, on March 19, 2020. He was 62 years young, full of unbridled enthusiasm, humor and endless zeal for the grace of God.
Raised in Columbus, Ga as the seventh of 12 children, Eric was cherished by his siblings. The valedictorian of his high school class, Eric went on to complete his Bachelor's degree at the Franciscan University of Steubenville where he was known to set the curve in his science classes. He married his college sweetheart Jean Marie and started a family in Ohio where they had five children. During that time, Eric completed the doctoral program in Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh and from then on, in his career as a research scientist, was held in high esteem at every job he held. Eric was well-regarded for his intellect, generous spirit and patience.
Eric reveled in people and their life journeys. He intentionally walked beside them, shared their highs and lows, and provided strength through his presence. He befriended all who crossed his path and his humility belied his incredible mind. He was always the first to roll up his sleeves with enthusiasm, no matter how mundane the task. Eric was larger than life.
Eric walked his talk as a Faithful Christian, pouring his time, talents and treasure into the Church wherever he was living, most recently serving in the Prison and Eucharistic Ministries through his local Peace of Christ Parish. He was a member of the parish council and a devoted communicant at St. John the Evangelist Church for over 20 years.
Most importantly, Eric was a loving husband, an ever-present father and grandfather, a true brother, a confidant, and a best friend to many.
Eric was predeceased by parents, Irene and Donald Oswald, and brother Paul. He is survived by ex-wife and lifelong friend, Jean (Hill) Oswald (Linda); children: Stephen (Jennifer), Rachel, Anne Marie, Mark and Elizabeth; grandchildren: Marin, Jack and Thaddeus; and siblings: Mark, Susan, Joan, Kurt (Jenny), Mary Jean (Andy), Ruth (Chris), Joseph, John Francis (Dina Marie), Mace (Traci), Anne (Michael), sister-in-law Lessie Oswald, dozens of nieces and nephews, multiple brothers and sisters-in-love, and hundreds of friends.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Peace of Christ (Prison Ministry), 25 Empire Blvd., Rochester, NY 14609 or catholiccharitiesusa.org
In Celebration of his life, a Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, September 4th 2021 at 10 am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 553 Humboldt St. in Rochester. For Picnic Reception which follows, the family requests RSVP's be sent to: [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eric Oswald
Wayne Besler
May 29, 2021
An amazing man and great friend
Roxanne M. Ryan
May 28, 2021
Eric was a man of strong faith, love, respect and diligence. I am so sorry to learn of your loss.
My 2 sons attended Confirmation training with his good son Steve at St. Mary's. God bless you all!
Stacey Besler
April 22, 2020
Eric leaving us so soon has been difficult to process . We last visited in late Nov, which was such a treat! A wonderful evening by the fire mulling over life. Never did a conversation pass without his declaration of true love for Jean and their children . Eric was proud of each child and would share about them one by one, with a chest full of love.
Whether at our many small gatherings down at the lake or larger get togethers, over the years, Eric brought light to the room! He was transparent and honest which added to his charm.
Eric's laugh brought sunshine, his kind heart melted troubles.
Eric loved God and People, he served them both very well.
I am positive Eric is continuing his good works along side our Heavenly Father.
On behalf of Al & Dottie Raines, Billie Broomfield , Wayne Besler and Myself:
Our prayers and thoughts go out to you.
Eric will be missed by us all tremendously!
Stacey
Al Trefney
April 6, 2020
Went to Franciscan U. With Eric, were in Mustard Seed Household together. Eric even then was all the wonderful things already shared about him. He and his roommate Keith Houde made the 4.0 room. He was an exuberant brother in Christ, caring, driven, and often laughing. My prayers join his family and countless friends. Rest now brother, may our loving Lord comfort your family and those who loved you till we are all one in Him in Hif Kingdom.
Tom Malthaner
April 4, 2020
I have fond memories of Eric. His voice of excitement and determination, his caring for all those in need, his wonderful giving spirit , his love of his kids and family and his love of life. Just a few qualities of this kindred Spirit.
Suzanne Stack
April 3, 2020
Thank you for this beautiful tribite to Eric. I'm so sorry you have lost such a cherished father and friend. Eric was the most exuberant, generous, caring, giving, loving, friendly, and faithful person I have known. Peace and grace to you and all of us who are grieving his loss from our earthly lives. Heaven has gained a real gem.
Lancye Douglas
April 3, 2020
Dear Jean,
I am so very sorry to learn of Eric's passing. May God hold him, you and your children in the palm of his hand. May many wonderful memories bring all of you comfort now and in the days ahead. I miss having you at Shepherd Home! Take care & stay well!
John VanTassel
April 1, 2020
I just want to say I am very sorry for your loss. I worked with him closely at Zotos while he was there and he was a great guy, full of energy. He was not afraid of give someone a hand or help out. Wish I would have stayed in contact with him after he left. Our prayers and thoughts are with each and everyone of you.
Dale Janas
April 1, 2020
I worked with Eric for several years at Zotos in Geneva, stunned to learn of his passing. Kudos to the crafters of his obit, it brought him back to me and I learned things I hadn't known about him. I don't know when or where I might ever have seen Eric again but I am saddened to know that is now not possible on earth. The fact that he died on my wedding anniversary is oddly comforting- on future 3/19's if I can remember my anniversary hopefully I will think of Eric also. Dale Janas Clifton Springs, NY
Jae You Park
March 31, 2020
Rest in peace Eric.
We will miss you include Korean customers.
Tammy Laza
March 31, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Eric was a wonder person. So positive. Man of faith. May you be with our Lord in his peace.
Eileen Kay
March 31, 2020
Eric will be missed so so much by all of us who did ministry with him. I was blessed to have watched him instill a sense of glory and wonder to the residents of our local nursing home, where he shared the Eucharist. His smiling face expressed a generous spirit of caring to the inmates he helped during our Prision Ministry retreats. I feel a deep sense of loss with his passing.
Mary cavagnero
March 31, 2020
So grateful to have known Eric and shared in the nursing home ministry with him. His energy was contagious and you knew the Holy Spirit resided in him fully. I will miss him but know, undoubtedly, he was well received by our Lord and all the angels!
steve lareau
March 30, 2020
spent a weekend at a conference in Texas with Eric,we acted childish and inappropriate and bought some cowboy duds. One of the best memories for me,and yes Eric had to pay for everything if you weren't on the ball.I miss him everyday. He made a difference to everyone who knew him.
Becky Beyerlein
March 30, 2020
Im so sorry for the loss of your father. Losing a parent is terrible While I did not know him I went to school with Rachel and knew Steven through SBTW. May you cherish your memories and bless others the way he clearly did.
Joe Cardamone
March 30, 2020
I can't think about Eric without seeing a smile on his face. He was one of the most positive and caring people I ever knew. I am truly blessed to have called him my friend. l miss you brother rest in peace. May God's peace be with your loving family.
Raymond Ward
March 30, 2020
Eric was a good man and, to me, a good friend.
Janet Cox
March 30, 2020
Eric was full of life and exuberance. To Ruth, and all the Oswald family, may you be comforted through Christs love.
Lisa O'Brien
March 30, 2020
Eric held a special place in the hearts of everyone at QED Technologies. He was always there for us with great advice, a warm smile, and an amazing laugh. He will be forever remembered and forever missed.
My condolences to his family.
Judy Dickinson
March 30, 2020
We will miss you Eric. Love your friends Alan and Judy Dickinson from Peace of Christ parish
Rita Ohara
March 30, 2020
Please accept my sympathy on your loss of such a great guy. Eric's obituary was quite unexpected ... it was only a short time ago I'd seen him at Mass. I'm hopeful that he didn't suffer much. Eric and his family will be remembered in my prayers.
JoEllen Malara
March 30, 2020
Eric was all these things in so many ways(as described in the obituary) He was a true Christian who lived it in every way. May God bless his loved ones in this time.
Paul Hill
March 30, 2020
Jean and family -
So very sorry for your loss, especially during these difficult times. He had such a warm and genuine laugh... I can hear him now. Just a great guy - he will be missed ❤
Paul Hill and family
March 29, 2020
Jean: I am so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Erskine DiFlorio
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