Franklin D. Oswald
Franklin D. Oswald, 74, of Vineland, NJ, passed away on August 31, 2011 at his home after a short illness.
Franklin was born to Walter & Ethel (Shoenberger) Oswald in Lancaster, PA on November 2, 1936.
One of nine children, Franklin graduated from Milton S. Hershey School for boys in 1954. After graduating, Franklin married and had 1 son, Alan. Franklin was a Vietnam Veteran serving from 1961-1971 (6 yrs. as Sgt. with the Army and 4 yrs. with the Air Force) leaving both branches with Honorable Discharges.
Franklin lived in Vineland for the last 40 years with his lifelong companion, Ed Gonteski. He worked for the State of New Jersey at the Vineland Developmental Center from 1972 until he retired in 1999. Frank loved playing Yahtzee, cards and going to the casinos. He also loved family gatherings.
He is survived by his son, Alan Oswald; lifelong companion, Edward Gonteski, Vineland, NJ; sisters, Betty (Oswald) Teafatiller, Fort Worth, TX and Yvonne (Oswald) Shertzer, Lancaster, PA. He is predeceased by his parents, Walter Oswald & Ethel Troop; brothers, Walter E. Oswald, Rev. Dr. George Oswald, Gerald Oswald; and his sisters, Marylou (Oswald) Holly, Darlene (Oswald) Belcher, Wanda (Oswald) Schmidt; and also other family and friends.
A Church Visitation was held on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 12 p.m. from Divine Mercy Church, 23 W. Chestnut Ave., Vineland. Interment followed in Greenwood Memorial Park, Millville. Arrangements are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360.
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