Oswald Patrick Dunkley

Oswald Patrick Dunkley was born on August 30, 1939, to Charles Dunkley and Floris Patten-Hay. Oswald was the 4th of 5 children born to his parents. As a young man growing up in Jamaica, Oswald enjoyed dancing and singing. He was a great dancer and had a beautiful voice, a winning personality, and dry humor. He participated in dance competitions throughout the West Indies and even held the title of King of “Ska”.

Oswald migrated to the United States in the mid 1970’s to pursue a better life and reunited with his friend Vivienne, whom he later married in 1975. Born to that union was their daughter Natasha Tamarah, who was welcomed by her four older sisters, Karlene, Janice, Andrea, and Michelle. The family lived in Brooklyn, NY, while Oswald worked for Enterprise Press in New York City for many years. In 1981, the couple purchased their first home and moved to Uniondale, Long Island, where they raised their 5 daughters. After retiring, Oswald and Vivienne bought their dream home and relocated to Valrico, Florida. Oswald found part-time employment as a greeter at Walmart, which he enjoyed because he was such a people person. Oswald and Vivienne enjoyed their whole life as a retired couple in Florida, with their children and grandchildren visiting often. The couple became members of Bell Shoals Baptist Church. Oswald rededicated his life to the Lord and was baptized on April 19, 2015. The couple faithfully attended Bell Shoals and looked forward to services on Sundays until Oswald was no longer able to participate because of the Parkinsons diagnosis.

On December 22, 2025, Oswald passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. He leaves to mourn his wife Vivienne of 50 years, his children and step children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, his sister Olga Mitchell, brothers-in-law George Mitchell, Vernon Welch, sisters in laws Marie Welch and Joan Welch, and a host of cousins, nieces, grand nieces, nephews and grand nephews, and long time friends.

His family and friends dearly loved Oswald, and he will be truly missed.