Bernard Vincent Osterman

Bernard Vincent Osterman (Bernie) passed away peacefully on July 31, 2016, at his home in Bowie, Maryland. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Janet Ward Osterman; two daughters, Christine Osterman and Sharon Osterman-Jackson; and his four beloved granddaughters, Taylor Jackson, Brittany Jackson, Kelsey Jackson and Tierney Metzler.

He was born in Washington DC, on April 25, 1940, to Bernard Anthony Osterman and Fannie Elizabeth Money Osterman. He was the oldest of four boys and is survived by his brother Claude Joseph Osterman. He was preceded in death by his brothers Raymond Anthony Osterman and Francis Michael Osterman. He is also survived by his sister in law and brother in law, Jean and Bob Waid, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Bernie was always a firefighter, starting young as a volunteer in Cottage City where he would run to the firehouse and try to get there before the third blast of the siren. He became a professional firefighter and one of the first paid firefighters in Prince Georges County when he was hired by the Bladensburg Fire Department in the early 1960s. He later became a paid firefighter under Prince Georges County. He also worked for the Prince Georges County School Board as a school bus driver and in supply services. He also had his own lawn service business in Lanham, Md. He and his family will be remembered by many for “Osterman’s Carry Out” in Glen Dale, Md., where they served their famous creamed chipped beef on Saturday mornings.

Bernie was always so kind and compassionate to everyone, giving in many ways to the community, family, and friends. He was Santa Clause to many family, friends, schools and nursing homes. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to talk and share his many stories. He loved boating, fishing, the Chesapeake Bay and Ocean City. He worked as a first mate with his friend Steve Vierkorn running fishing parties on the “Mallard” out of Turkey Point, Maryland.

Family will receive friends at the Robert E. Evans Funeral Home, 16000 Annapolis Rd., Bowie, MD on Friday August 5, 2016, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 6, at 10:00 a.m.