Lawrence J. Oswald, Jr.

SAUGERTIES...Lawrence Joseph Oswald, Jr., 86, of Dave Elliott Rd., died peacefully on Sunday, May 12, 2019 at The Pines at Catskill. A beloved brother and uncle, known as “Larry,” and “Brother,” he was born in Saugerties on June 9, 1932 to the late Lawrence Joseph and Ella Durba Oswald. A US Veteran, he served in the Navy during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952. He was a quirky, gentle man who loved history, his family, dining and sharing knowledge. One of his nieces recalls, “He was our Google long, long before the internet.” His incredibly keen memory was paired with the gift of gab, which continued up until his last few months at The Pines, where he cheerfully socialized with residents and staff up until the Lord called him home.

His knowledge of trivia was unmatched. Larry could tell you which actor, politician or newscaster you shared a birthday with, or were the same weight or height as. He would be thrilled to know that he died at the same time as Doris Day and Tim Conway. 

Every time he saw any of his nieces or nephews he would get a tape measure and record how tall they were. Watching them grow up was probably the greatest joy of his life — or a close second to a fine meal prepared by his sister June or his sister-in-law Eileen. 

After serving briefly in the Navy during the Korean War, he returned to Saugerties and worked at Cantine Paper Mill, Cody Lumber and Great American, where he would recount stories about his family while he was bagging groceries. He could tell you prices and dates about everything and anything and would guess at a total stranger’s nationality with amazing accuracy. He knew how many cars rolled off an assembly line in a certain year… who married who and for how long... what war happened when... and exactly what the difference was between a Japanese fighter plane and a Korean bomber, down to the shade of paint. He shared a lifelong friendship with his sister June, who was his primary caretaker for many years. 

Survivors include his sisters, June Oswald of Saugerties, Marion (Harold, predeceased) Schoch of Knoxville, TN and Dorothy (Jim) Tompkins of Tuscon, AZ; brother, George (Eileen) Oswald of Saugerties; aunt, Margaret Durba; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Norma Oswald.

His Funeral Service will be held 2pm Friday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home Inc., cor. of John and Lafayette Sts., Saugerties. Burial will follow in the KatsbaanCemetery. Visitation will be held 1-2:00 pm Friday. Condolences may be shared at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com

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