Jack Gustav Oswald (1936-2014)

AUBURN – Jack Gustav Oswald, 78, a resident of Jay, formerly of Brunswick and a native of Jamaica (Queens), N.Y., died Monday, Nov. 17, 2014, at the Hospice House with his family by his side.

Jack was born on April 1, 1936 and raised in Queens, the only child of Gustav Oswald and Caroline Mary Stetson Oswald. He attended Brooklyn schools, graduating in 1954 from George Westinghouse High School and later proudly served in the U.S. Navy, stationed at the Brunswick Naval Air Station. He made his home on Androscoggin Street in Brunswick with his family, sharing wonderful memories with many good neighbors and friends.

Jack was a firefighter/paramedic for the town of Brunswick for many years. He then spent 10 years working as a fire inspector for Bath Iron Works, retiring in 1991.

In his younger days, Jack loved fishing at Popham with his oldest son, Jack Michael. Photography and train collecting were hobbies in which he dabbled.  He never missed the Kentucky Derby or any New England sports game from the comfort of his couch.  Unable to drive for any distance as he grew older, he rarely passed up his chances on Saturdays doing “Off Track Betting” gigs in Lewiston.  He enjoyed playing board games with his daughter-in-law and granddaughters, and he also loved going to Ogunquit each summer for a week, soaking in the warmth of the sun and seeing the ocean with Juanita and Rob, with whom he remained friends. In 2002 he relocated to Jay to be closer to his son, Gary, and his beloved grandchildren.

Jack is survived by his sons: Jack Michael of Portland and Gary and his wife Maureen of Jay.  He leaves three grandchildren: Matthew White of Farmington, Michelle Dowd and her husband Charles of Portland, and his youngest and special little “turkey,” Mikayla Oswald of Jay.  He also leaves behind his well-loved four-legged companion, Bowdoin, with whom he spent the majority of his time and who shared his love of well-balanced daily breakfasts.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, Gustav and Caroline Oswald, and a special aunt, Rose Stetson.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Bonnie from Androscoggin Home Health, Dorothy Thayer, and the fine people at Hospice House in Auburn for being instrumental in supporting the completion of Jack’s circle of life. Memories and condolences may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, (Rtes. 2 and 27) Farmington, on Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services with military honors will be held at the Center, Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. Following the services, all are invited to a light luncheon at the home of Gary and Maureen Oswald, 19 Forest Circle, Jay. Internment will be held at a later date at the New Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, Jack’s wish was to support the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery in Augusta.  Donations can be made to Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association, 126 Winslow Road, Albion, Maine 04910.