William Osterman

Palm Springs - Love one another... these were some of the final words from William Osterman, who passed away on October 8, 2018 surrounded by friends and family. Bill lived his life of 88 years predicated upon the importance of love. He is survived by his wife Cydney with whom he had a 44 year love affair that never waned. He loved and was in turn loved by so many during his very full life that included travel literally to every corner of the earth. An avid golfer, bridge player, and history buff... Bill's love of friends and family was ever present in the way he conducted his life. He was especially loved by his sons Michael, John, Thomas, and Jeffrey. Remarkably loved by his daughters-in-laws Michelle, Rozzi, and Leslie. Spectacularly loved by his grandchildren Matthew, Jordan, Elan, Maya, Benjamin, and Lauren. Uniquely loved by his caretaker Lisa. Perhaps most telling was his newest loves... at the end of a long and valiant fight he put off the inevitable to wait for the opportunity to meet his two great grandchildren... Griffin and Olivia.

Bill's love of people extended to the employees of Osterman Jewelers, a very successful business he grew from its headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. And always a special place in his heart for the University of Michigan... Go Blue!! Bill was also a philanthropist and his love of people was quite evident in the numerous organizations he supported throughout his life in both Toledo and Palm Springs. In recent years he was very involved with the Jewish Federation of Palm Springs, the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, and the Eisenhower Medical Center Foundation. And they loved him back for not only his generosity, but his time as an executive board member of these and numerous other organizations. As his mother told him long ago, " you will never get poor by giving to charity".

You may honor his life by giving to one of the organizations mentioned or the charity of your choice.

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

Published by The Desert Sun on Oct. 12, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for William Osterman

21 Entries

at Granddaughter Maya's wedding

Rozzi Osterman

October 22, 2018

with Poppa O

Rozzi Osterman

October 22, 2018

Osterman boys

Rozzi Osterman

October 22, 2018

Randy Richie

October 20, 2018

I don't know if I ever met Mr. O, but when I was in high school, I was in a Big Band (the James Leroi Orchestra ) that was sponsored by him. He gave us all blue blazers and gray slacks. And on the front jacket pocket, there was a small white diamond shaped patch that said "Hello, Mr O". Now that I think about it, he probably also bought the charts and music stands for the band as well..... I have a recording of the band that my Dad made while we played a concert near the Ottawa Park shelter house in 1969. So better late than never, I want to thank the memory of Mr O's generosity!

Rich Lerner

October 17, 2018

He always had a smile on his face.

Rita Green

October 17, 2018

So very sorry to hear Billy was ill and lost his battle with cancer. He was always kind, always wore a smile and always carried himself with dignity. May the wonderful memories of his meaningful life sustain his family through their time of grief.

Cheryl McClellan

October 17, 2018

I remember doing business at Ostermans many years ago (80's) and still have my beautiful ring. May you Rest Peacefully ♢ God Bless

Hugo Rodriguez

October 16, 2018

I had the pleasure of working for Mr.Osterman for the last 11years. He is one of the most kindest,charming,compassionate and generous person.I talk about him on a daily basis. Sharing with my coworkers what a wonderful person he was. I'm going to truly miss him. Im happy that he is now in a much better place. I know he is going to be bless by God. For being the loving, caring, compassionate ,generous and trusting man he was. Good bye my friend. You'll always be in my heart.

October 15, 2018

My condolences to Cydney, Michael, Jon, Tommy and their families. Billy was one of the most warmhearted and loving people I knew. He and my dad, Irv, were such good friends and so similar in their love of people. I have such wonderful memories of being with him--he truly will be missed by so many of us.
Barbara Mindel Schaffer

Rozzi Osterman

October 15, 2018

We adored our Billy xxoo

Dene Hofheinz Anton

October 14, 2018

A dear and darling man. Half of one of the lovingest couples ever! My heart goes out to Cydney and their family.

Lynda Wright

October 14, 2018

Bill was such a sweet man. I knew him through the Barbara Sinatra children's center. He always had a smile and a nice thing to say. You will be missed

October 14, 2018

Joel and I are so deeply sorry for your families loss. Billywas an amazing, caring, generous gentleman and will be missed by all that knew him.
Sue & Joel Zanville

Jim and Renee Akers

October 14, 2018

We all loved Billy, so sad to hear this news. Our love and sincere condolences to the entire Osterman Family.

Linda Kaplin

October 14, 2018

Bill's death breaks my heart. I have always had a great fondness for him. Whenever my parents, Julian and Margie Kaplin, had a party, Bill would always come upstairs and talk to me. He always made me feel so special. Bill will, and always has, a very warm place in my heart.

My sincerest condolences,
Linda Kaplin

C B

October 13, 2018

Im deeply sorry to hear about the death of William. You have my deepest sympathy (Matthew 5:4).

October 12, 2018

I was taking care of my four year old grandson and had to run out the door. I'm so sorry for my grammatical errors.
Billy accepted everyone for who they were, so I know he would understand.
Hugs and love, Tookie Basch Marcellin

You accepted everyone for who they were

October 12, 2018

Such a great man with a positive outlook toward
humanity. Every time I ran into him in the at the theatre he had a genuine smile and was so happy to see me.
Our friendship goes back to the jewelry stores on Summitt St.
Billy paid it forward in everyone!
Love, Tookie Basch Marcellin Indio, Ca.

Rabbi Allen I. Freehling

October 11, 2018

During the five years I served as the associate rabbi at The Temple in Toledo beginning in 1967, Bill's unstinting friendship, advice and guidance were deeply appreciated, and the relationship we forged then has endured through the years. Thus, his passing prompts me to join all of his loved ones and so many friends in thanking God for his long and productive life and to assure each and every member of his family that they are embraced with affection along with my heartfelt prayer that comfort and strength will be theirs as they prepare to move forward in his absence.

Ellen and Michael Fruchtman

October 10, 2018

We were so very sorry to hear this news. Bill was by far one of the most loving, giving and warm people on this earth. And our very first friend in Rancho Mirage. Our condolences to his entire family.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results