George Oswald

Rev. Dr. George William Oswald, "Doc," 79, New Cumberland, passed into everlasting life with his Savior on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010, after a struggle with cancer.

He was born on June 16, 1931, in Lancaster, a son of Walter and Ethel Bert Schoen-berger Oswald.

George William Oswald was a graduate of JP McCaskey High School, class of 1949, and had a passion for promoting and enjoying the alumni gatherings.

Upon completion of high school, George William worked in Lancaster City for five years to assist his family before attending the American Seminary of the Bible in Brooklyn N.Y.

On October 6, 1957, he married Susan Turner Oswald in Brattleboro, Vt. They would have celebrated their 53rd year of marriage on the day of his death. October 6th was also the 63rd year since his father's passing, leaving him the eldest of eight siblings at the young age of 13. The passing of his father created an indelible mark on George William's life. His best friend from his junior high school days, Bob Showaker, has been a steadfast pillar throughout the last 66 years.

On March 6, 1958, George William Oswald was ordained into Christian Ministry in Lancaster, by the Evangelical Pastor's Fellowship, and embarked upon his calling, to spend his life serving Christ.

For the next few years, the couple served in missions with Bible Christian Union in Europe and Eastern European countries. Upon his return to the United States, George William Oswald accepted the pastorate of Fairview Baptist Church in Altoona, and, until 1981, enjoyed living close to his dear friends, Charles and Doris Griswold.

George W. Oswald obtained his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees at Manahath School of Theology and Education. In 1980, he attained his Doctor of Education at Faith Theological Seminary. With his Ed.D. degree complete, he affectionately became known as "Doc."

It was a joy for George W. Oswald to have the opportunity to return to Lancaster County and serve as the pastor of Denver Bible Church from 1981 to 2002. During this time, "Doc" as he was affectionately known, taught at private Christian Schools in the Lancaster and Lebanon area. He especially enjoyed teaching English and Pennsylvania History. Teaching and caring for his students proved be the love of his life. Testimonies to this were the many students who came to visit "Doc" while he was sick and recounted the deep impact he'd had on their lives. "Doc" was recognized by the Keystone Christian Education Association for his contribution to Pennsylvania students.

While living in Denver, Lancaster County, George W. Oswald was a charter member of the Denver Historical Society, recalling Denver's history and preparing for Denver's Centennial Celebration. He became the chairman of the Denver Centennial Committee, devoting endless hours to ensure the event's extraordinary community enjoyment. He served many terms on the Denver Borough Council and Planning Commission and was honored by the Lancaster County Office of Aging for his community service.

In 2002, he retired from the pastorate and teaching and moved with his wife from Lancaster County to live with his daughter and family in New Cumberland, Pa. While living in New Cumberland, he became a York County Election Official for Fairview Township and attended Bressler Bible Church, Bressler, Pa., where he was very active and appreciated Pastor Joseph Catani's godly direction. He enjoyed the senior's classes at Gold's Gym and his many acquaintances there.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Turner Oswald; daughter, Darva Oswald Kinney, and her husband, Brett; granddaughters, Alyssa M., and Erika P., New Cumberland, with whom he resided; sons, Walter William Oswald, Tampa, Fla.; and David Turner Oswald, and his wife, Leslie, Sinking Spring.

Surviving siblings include Betty Lorraine O. Teafatiller, Fort Worth, Texas; Franklin D. Oswald, Vineland, N.J.; and Yvonne Mae O. Shertzer, Lancaster; a host of nieces and nephews, in whom he took great pleasure; and extended cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Ethel; and siblings: Walter Eugene Oswald; Mary Louise Holly; Gerald Howard Oswald; Darlene Joan Belcher; and Wanda Lee Schmid.

George William Oswald had a deep faith in Jesus Christ. He was patriotic and believed attention to national and civic affairs was important. He was generous and helped those he knew were in need. He was loyal and was the cornerstone of his Oswald extended family. He remembered each one and cared for them deeply. He never forgot birthdays and special occasions and loved giving his own special kind of gifts. He remembered his former students with great pleasure and found sincere joy in hearing about their successes in life. In turn, he was loved by an enormous number of people whose lives he touched over the many years. Even though he was fortunate enough to travel the world and live abroad, his deep affection for Lancaster County never left him.

There will be a private internment for the immediate family at Lancaster Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service is being planned and will take place at a later date. For additional details please visit www.caring-bridge.org/visit/gwoswald.

Arrangements are entrusted to Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland.