He was born March 1, 1940, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Orvin Harlan Oswald Sr. and Grace Marie Madden Oswald (later known by Mills). As a young boy working alongside his dad, “Oz” as he liked to be called, learned the basics of a machinist and carpenter.
He served in the Ohio National Guard from 1963 to 1969. He worked at BF Goodrich Research in Brecksville, Ohio from 1966 to 1974. where he met his wife, Elaine. He then worked as a muzzleloading gunsmith at the Log Cabin Shop where he could indulge in one of his favorite hobbies. Oz was happiest outdoors and enjoyed sailing, building and flying model airplanes, and riding motorcycles. He had a keen interest in vintage motorcycles and cars, including his bug-eyed Sprite. He also had an in-depth knowledge of WWII history – especially the aircraft of that era. He enjoyed reading a variety of literature and was well versed and intrigued by the life of Winston Churchill.
Oz is survived by his wife, Elaine Witwer Oswald; son, Benjamin Oswald; brother, John (Debbie) Oswald; two sisters, Carol (Paul) Kern and Pam Pollitt; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road.
