John J. Osborne Sr.

John J. Osborne Sr., of Scranton, died Thursday at Mercy Hospice after a brief illness. His wife of 51 years is the former Mary Elizabeth "Bette" Kane. They were married Feb. 16, 1957.

Born Aug. 22, 1931, in Scranton, son of the late Thomas and Anna Becker Osborne, he was a 1949 graduate of South Scranton Catholic High School. In 1956, he graduated from Temple University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy, and became a prominent Scranton pharmacist. As a pharmacist and co-owner of Andrew Brown's Drug Store, South Scranton, for the past 51 years, he upheld the pharmacist's code of ethics to act with honesty and integrity while respecting the autonomy and dignity of each customer.

By devoting himself to the service of others, he demonstrated his commitment and fidelity to the pharmacist's oath, which permeated all aspects of his life.

He was a past president of the Lackawanna County Pharmaceutical Association and the Connell Park Little League. He was a member of the YMCA, Dunmore; and was a volunteer at St. John the Evangelist Church, Scranton, which was his lifetime home parish where he chaired and served on countless committees. Dedicated always to his faith, family and friends, he will be remembered for his gentle smile, warm wit, and the value he placed in a strong work ethic.

His son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Monica, are expecting a child, and he was looking forward to the birth of his granddaughter, Michael Anne Osborne, who would have been his seventh grandchild,

Also surviving are six children, William and wife, Laura, Scranton; John J. Jr. and wife, Marion, Old Forge; Anne; Michael and wife, Monica; Teresa and husband, Jerry Schiappa, all of Scranton; and Thomas and wife, Maura, Mount Cobb; six grandchildren, Aaron, Andrew, Amy, Joseph, Olivia and Grace Osborne; a brother, Thomas Osborne, Scranton; a sister, Ann Bauer, Flourtown; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, William and Gerald; and two sisters, Marian Gallagher and Eleanor Tansits.

The funeral will be Monday from the Neil W. Regan Funeral Home Inc., 1900 Pittston Ave., with Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 1501 Pittston Ave., to be celebrated by the Rev. Scott Sterowski, pastor. Those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to the church. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.

Friends may call Sunday, 3 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., 18509; or the charity of the donor's choice.