Oshedrick Toomer Jr.

On Thursday, September 11, 2025, Oshedrick Toomer Jr. peacefully transitioned into eternal rest. Born on March 15, 1961, in Newark, New Jersey, Oshedrick was the beloved son of the late Oshedrick Toomer, Sr., and the late Ophelia Toomer. He was a proud graduate of Science High School in Newark, New Jersey, Class of 1979. Following in his father's footsteps, Oshedrick honorably served in the United States Navy for 20 years, including active duty during the Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm). His distinguished military career was marked by numerous commendations, including: • Six Sea Service Deployment Ribbons • Two Humanitarian Service Medals • Four Navy Good Conduct Medals • Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal • Defense Service Medal • Joint Meritorious Unit Award • Navy/ Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon • Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star • Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon • Kuwait Liberation Medal After retiring from the navy in October 1995, Oshedrick relocated with his family to New Orleans, Louisiana. He continued his dedication to service and craftsmanship as an Engine Room Mechanic at Avondale and Northrup Grumman Shipyards. When the shipyard closed, he moved to Pascagoula, Mississippi, where he worked at Huntington Ingalls Shipyard until his retirement on December 19, 2024. Oshedrick was a devoted husband to Gizelda Toomer for 20 years and a loving father to their son, Jamaal Oshedrick Toomer. He will be deeply missed by his sister, Lettie Ann (Fred) Toomer-White, nieces and nephews, Greer Toomer, Shanell Toomer, Tameka (Mark) Burger, and Joshua Burger, as well as a host of other beloved nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oshedricks, Sr., and Ophelia Toomer, and his siblings, Shirley Coleman and Johanna Toomer. Oshedricks's legacy of service, strength, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.