Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1945
DIED
2025
Richard Osborne Obituary
Richard Henry Osborne, 79, of Springville, California, passed away on April 16, 2025, in the presence of his loving wife Ginny.
Richard was born on April 22, 1945, in Hackensack, New Jersey, the son of Hank and Naomi Osborne. After graduating from art school, Richard joined the United States Marines in 1966 and served until honorably discharged in 1970.
Following his military service, Richard worked in a variety of fields, ultimately discovering his passion for the field of archaeology. He earned his Master of Science degree in anthropology at Cal State Bakersfield, following which he accepted a full-time faculty position at Porterville College.
Professor Emeritus at PC, Richard taught anthropology there from 1995 to 2012. Among his many contributions to college and community life, he founded the Cultural and Historical Awareness Program (CHAP), which offered students, staff, and the wider community the opportunity to hear world renowned speakers as well as to learn about local history and culture. CHAP remains a vibrant program today. Richard had an adventurous spirit, traveled widely with Ginny over the years, and particularly loved introducing friends to new experiences.
Richard served on the Porterville College Foundation, the Central California Family Crisis Center Board, and the Central Valley Vietnam Veterans Board. He was active in the Homeless Outreach Project, a member of the Springville Veterans Group, and advisor to the Porterville College Student Veterans Program.
Remaining to cherish Richard's memory are his wife Ginny, daughter Erika and Erika's husband Chris, brother Tom and family, and many grateful friends, students, and colleagues.
Preceding Richard in death are his parents, Hank and Naomi Osborne.
A memorial service with military honors is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, at 2:00 at the Springville Veterans Memorial Building 35994 Highway 190.
Memorial donations in Richard's memory may be directed to the Central California Family Crisis Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Osborne
3 Entries
Zachary Hill
May 27, 2025
I was a student of Mr. Osborne's at Porterville College. I just wanted to say he was one of my favorite teachers, and I enjoyed his classes the most. My heart goes out to his family and friends, and they will be in my prayers.
Irene speer
May 19, 2025
I worked in the bookstore from 1994 to 2011, at Porterville college. /Richard became a friend as he was frequently in the bookstore for supply's for his class. sometimes just to say hello.
my hatband and I attended many of the CHAP presentations, that Richard started at the collage. a unforgettable event was when Richard and Ginny performed a rendition of Sonny and Cher, I Got YOU BAbe, for the college entertainment. He will be missed. sincerely Irene Speer
Matt Darby
May 17, 2025
Mr. Osborne was my professor in the late 90s, at PC. He was an excellent professor, genuinely caring about his students. His warmth and encouragement went a long way in the classroom. I´ll always remember him fondly. My deepest condolences to his family.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Osborne's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Osborne
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Osborne's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
