It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Francis William "Bill" Osman Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and decorated veteran, who departed this life on September 20, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on November 5, 1940, in Oswego, New York, Bill lived a life full of adventure, laughter, and love in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
Bill proudly served in the United States Navy until May 31, 1990. During his remarkable 32-year career, he achieved the rank of LNCS and completed two tours in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. His naval adventures took him to many places, including Corpus Christi, Charleston, Newfoundland, Guantanamo Bay, Naval Justice School in Newport, and Boston, where he met his beloved wife, Claire. Together, they celebrated 59 wonderful years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.
A family man at heart, Bill loved his children- Robert, Nancy, Steven, and James,-but reveled in being "Grumpy" to his grandchildren: Christopher, Allison, Katie, Tori, Sarah, Sean, and great-grandson, AJ. He had a great sense of humor, always ready with a joke, and could be found in front of the TV watching any sport that involved a ball.
Bill is survived by his wife, Claire, his children, James and Robert (Jean) Osman, and Nancy Hilliard (Brian), his sisters, Darlene Lindsay (Clarke) and Diane McClendon. He will also be missed by his grandchildren, great-grandson and several nieces and nephews. His legacy of love and laughter will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Bill was predeceased by his father, Francis William Osman, Sr and his son, Steven Osman.
Bill's Funeral Service will be held at 4:00pm on Monday, September, 29, 2025, with calling hours immediately following until 7:00pm at Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Rd., Portsmouth.
Burial with Military Honors will take place on Tuesday, September, 30 at 2:00pm at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to Tunnel to Towers Foundation
As we gather to remember Bill, lets share in the warmth of his spirit and the joy he brought into our lives-a true sailor at heart who navigated the seas of life with love, humor, and plenty of enthusiasm. Rest easy, Bill will be dearly missed but forever celebrated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871

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