Oscar was born in Koblenz, Germany on August 4, 1916. He had an older sister, Hilda, and a younger brother, Arthur. There was another brother who died in infancy. The family was close and remained so throughout their lives.
As a young man, Oscar was an athlete, training for the Olympics in swimming and diving, when he was forced to quit because of the advancement of the Nazi movement.
At 17 Oscar left Germany for Yugoslavia where he met and married his wife, Gussy. Oscar and Gussy celebrated their 76th anniversary on March 21, 2011.
From Yugoslavia, Oscar and Gussy went to Israel where they lived on a kibbutz for seven years and learned Hebrew. Some of their duties were to stand guard at night to keep the kibbutz safe, build roads, and raise fruits and vegetables. They both loved gardening throughout their lives.
When Oscar and Gussy immigrated to Cleveland, Ohio, where Oscar’s family had previously settled, they went to night school to learn English. Starting as a stock boy, Oscar rose through the ranks at “Campus Men’s and Boy’s Sportswear,” where he eventually accepted a position as a sales representative for Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. The couple then moved to South Portland, Maine where they remained throughout their lives. They saved what they could and when they had enough, they sent money overseas to help family and friends escape the Holocaust.
Oscar loved his job and remained in this capacity until his retirement at the age of 65, even though he was offered many prestigious advancements. His clients loved him for his integrity and those who are still alive (or their children) still vividly and fondly remember him.
Oscar was a founding member of Temple Beth El. He was also a member of the Center Men’s Club, The Holocaust & Human Rights Center of Maine, and the New England Men’s Apparel Club. Oscar delivered meals on wheels for many years and was always very charitable. He was a very conscientious worker, a meticulous gardener, and an avid reader. He excelled in everything he did. Oscar was a man of great strength, dignity, and grace. Oscar will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends.
Oscar was predeceased by his wife, Gussy, on December 1, 2011. He is survived by his daughters, Norma R. Elowitch of Los Angeles, California and Anita S. Weiner of South Portland, Maine, four grandchildren Daniel N. Weiner and his wife, Deborah Cahn-Weiner of Orinda, California, Joseph B. Weiner and his wife Stephanie A. Shen of Larchmont, New York, and Jonathan B. Weiner and his wife Lisa M. Weiner of Valley Stream, New York, and Heidi M. Elowitch of Moore Park, California. He is also survived by seven great grandchildren.
The family of Oscar Gottschalk wishes to thank the staff at Sedgewood Commons for the exceptional loving and compassionate care throughout Oscar’s stay.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday April 7, 2013 at 10:30 A.M. in the Temple Beth El, 400 Deering Ave. Portland, Maine. Burial will follow Beth El Memorial Park, Outer Congress Street. The family will receive friends following the burial at Sedgewood Commons 22 Northbrook Drive, Falmouth with a Shiva Service from 2 to 4 P.M. A period of visitation will also be held on Monday from 1 to 3 P.M. at Sedgewood Commons with a Shiva service at 3 P.M.. Arrangements are under the direction of Jones, Rich and Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, Maine. On-line condolences can be given to the family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com. In lieu of flowers donations in Oscar’s memory can be made to The Holocaust & Human Rights Center of Maine Michael Klahr Center University of Maine at Augusta 46 University Drive Augusta, Maine 04330 or The Alzheimer’s Assoc. Maine Chapter 383 US Route One Suite 2c Scarborough, Maine 04074.
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