Charles "Chuck" J. Osborne

October 25, 1940 June 8, 2025

Charles "Chuck" J. Osborne, 84, of Santa Maria, CA, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025. Born in Grass Valley, California, on October 25, 1940, to his loving parents Tom & Rose Osborne. While growing up in Grass Valley, he attended local schools and enjoyed participating in sports such as baseball and basketball, in 1958 he graduated from Nevada Union High School.

Following high school, Chuck pursued higher education at San Francisco State University, earning both his Bachelor's and Master's Degree. His passion for music and dedication to young people led him to a long and impactful career in education. He began teaching at Arroyo Grande High School before settling into a decades-long role at Ernest Righetti High School, in Santa Maria, CA, as the beloved band director. For over 30 years, he inspired generations of students through the marching band, jazz band, and music appreciation. He also shared his talents at Allan Hancock College, continuing to influence musicians at the collegiate level.

Chuck was a vibrant and active member of the central coast community. Outside of teaching, He had several bands he played in over the years, however the two most memorable are No Deadwood, they toured Europe one summer in the 1970's, and most recently Trio Internationale, they rocked the Oktoberfest scene. When not performing, teaching or mentoring, Chuck was an avid fisherman who found great joy in both surf and freshwater fishing. He loved sharing this passion with his family and friends, creating lasting memories on the water.

Chuck was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Stephany Osborne. He is survived by his children: Cayte Osborne, Tom (Nancy) Osborne, Jennifer Osborne, and Sarah (Mike) Masters. He was a proud and loving grandfather to seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces, all of whom brought immense joy to his life.

A celebration of life will be held in Chuck's honor at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge located at 1309 N Bradley Rd., Santa Maria, CA, on August 3, 2025. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception with lunch and live music. Please RSVP to [email protected] to help the family prepare for this special celebration of his life.

Chuck's legacy will live on in the music he loved and the countless lives he touched.

Visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Maria Times on Jun. 24, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Osborne

Sponsored by Dudley-Hoffman Mort, Crematory & Memory Gardens.

12 Entries

Mario cosma

July 1, 2025

I was just thinking about Mr Osborne a few days ago so I'm saddened when I heard this news.
Mr Osborne was the Righetti Marching Band Director during my 4 years at Righetti (81-85). Although I was only a member of the Righetti Marching and pep band for two years he made a lasting impact on me! Mr Osborne was all business in the band room but he loved Righetti High School! When you put on that Righetti Warrior Marching Band uniform it was time to perform at your very best. And he demanded it. Some of my greatest memories at Righetti was going to 4th period-Marching Band class. Thoughout the year as a member it was mandatory for you to participate in his annual fund raisers including his famous "Pizza Pops" (for which of course he was the comedian MC- glad he stuck with music btw-lol), selling fruit cakes, candy bars etc.. it allowed us to travel to Great America for our performances which we all look forward to. Marching and performing in the Santa Maria Elks Parade, playing his rendition of "On Righetti" on Friday nights, pep rallies, basketball pep-bands, all have warm lasting memories. Mr Osborne made such a huge impact on so many of his students lives including mine! May you Rest in Peace Mr Osborne! I'm sure God has a new gig for you up in Heaven! All the best and condolences to his family! Forever Righetti!

Stephanie Gunther Jones

June 27, 2025

I lived in the house directly across the street from Chuck from 1992 - 2017 on Royal Oak Road in Santa Maria. Not only did I know Chuck from attending Righetti High School (1969-1973) where he taught band, but Chuck was a wonderful neighbor and dear friend. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Stephanie Jones/Olympia, WA

Angie (Williams) Moore

June 25, 2025

Thanks, Mr. Osborne, for making it cool to be a band kid. Photo: 1985 Jazz Band spring concert

Johannah Bradley

June 24, 2025

Mr Osborne was my band director at ERHS from 1969-1971. I will always remember his enthusiasm for his students. He made all of us feel special and needed to make the Marching Warrior Band the best on the central coast. His half time shows were spectacular. He was truly the Energizer Bunny at Righetti. Rest peacefully.

AM Nelson

June 23, 2025

I enjoyed taking his jazz band class back as a kid in school. As an adult, in 2016, I was at a local art showing, and there he was, playing away.

Jeremy Forman

June 23, 2025

Mr. Osborne was my band director at Righetti High School for 1988 - 1992. Many great memories in marching, concert, and Jazz band.

W Adler

June 16, 2025

Mr. Osborne was an influential part of my Righetti High School years. Jazz band, concert band, trip to Mexico, etc - all were made better with Mr. Osborne's sense of fun and musicianship. So sorry to hear of his passing, but he was a difference maker in a LOT of lives. I hope he's leading a band of angels now!

Laurie Snellings-Parker

June 13, 2025

Mr Osborne was my band director in the 70s. He was so nice and had so much energy! We had the best band at Righetti Highschool. Mr Osborne made it fun for everyone. RIP Mr Osborne, it was so good to talk to you a few years ago, it really warmed my heart when you remembered me and my parents. Never forgotten.

Daniel Applebay

June 13, 2025

My wife was a student of Chuck´s with the class of 1980. I´ve known Chuck as a fellow musician for almost 30 years, playing and performing with numerous jazz bands around Santa Maria. He was a great sax player and wonderful friend, always providing constructive feedback and support to fellow musicians. It was a true pleasure and privilege to have him as a friend and fellow musician. Chuck ... you will be missed. Rest in Peace my friend!

Beverly Smith Heiberger

June 13, 2025

Mr Osborne was truly one of my favorite teachers. The Righetti Band was the best because of him. He taught us to be responsible young people. We sold Texas fruit cakes to make money for the extras. Trips to band festivals and even Disneyland. He was my friend as adult and I enjoyed his flare for music. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

Dana Gleason

June 12, 2025

Band was always my favorite class, and Mr. Osborne was my all time favorite teacher. But I think it is fair to say he was so much more to generations of students! Mentor, encourager, friend, fellow musician & a great Sax player! He always pushed me to be better than I was, and for that I am eternally grateful. Chuck Osborne is the reason I stepped up to being a musician & am still in music today. Job well done! You made a difference. RIP, sir.

Jim Bernal

June 12, 2025

So sad to hear about the passing of Mr. Osborne. I was in the Righetti bands in the early 80's. He was a great teacher and a wonderful human being. We had a lot of fun at the concert band competitions, all of the football game half time shows, marching at Disneyland and Elks Parades.

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