Braheem Ossy

Braheem George Ossy Aug. 24, 1923 - Dec. 27, 2011 The world lost a master of ceremonies, candy maker, and entertainer extraordinaire on Dec. 27 when Braheem George Ossy passed away at St. Paul's Towers in Oakland. He was 88. Known as Sonny to his family and many friends, George lived life with a positive attitude, love and laughter from his early years in Chicago to his four decades in his beloved San Francisco to his final years in Oakland. George was the youngest of four children and the only son of Moses and Eva Ossy who came from Zahle, Lebanon, in the 1890s. He graduated from St. Phillips High School in Chicago and served as a radio operator and wire chief in the Army during World War II, mostly in the Pacific. He attended the University of Illinois and Northwestern University and graduated from the American Institute of Baking. He joined the staff of C & H Sugar and in 1962 was transferred to San Francisco where he was in charge of technical sales consulting and worked with candy companies throughout the U.S. He continued working as a consultant after his retirement in 1982. He married Ruth Bulwich, the love of his life, in 1977. He and Ruth were active in the Old St. Mary's Club, the Half-Notes, Caper Cutters and the California Alpine Club, where George was a past president and king of the chicken grill. Ruth died in 1979. After retiring, George began taking classes through the 60-Plus program at San Francisco State University. He also began a new career-acting. He performed in the original play "Twain" at SFSU and later with the Senior Theater Education Project. He committed many songs and poems to memory and entertained wherever he went. He was also active in Toastmasters, where he was a past president, and the SIRs, where he was chaplain. At Christmas, he played Santa Claus for children at many different locations and sent his elf Dimiji to help children waiting for Santa. George had a strong Catholic faith and was a devoted son who took care of his mother for many years. He was Uncle Sonny to seven nieces and nephews, fifteen great nieces and nephews and one great-great niece. He was predeceased by his parents, wife, and three sisters, Marie Halowi, Jessamine Abraham and Victoria Kirkish. A public memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Towers, 100 Bay Place, Oakland, at 2 p.m. Jan. 12.