John Jay Oswald

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, John Jay Oswald was called home into the loving arms of his parents and older sister, in the company of his wife, Merle Oswald, his daughter and son-in-law, Suzette and Raymond Roberts, and his son and daughter-in-law, James and Jamie Oswald, and eldest grandson, Jack Oswald.

John was born to Jack and Gertrude Oswald, April 11, 1943. He is predeceased by his parents and his older sister, Joan Vollmer, and is survived by his wife, Merle, his children Suzette Roberts (Raymond), and James Oswald (Jamie), and his grandsons, Jack Oswald, Duncan Roberts, Ethan Listowski (step-grandson), Jamie Oswald, and Jesse Oswald, as well as his younger sister, Jean Lorber.

John served 6 years in the navy on, first, the USS Somersworth, and, then, the USS Neptune. During this time, he met a young woman at the USO, fell in love, and made her his wife. Merle and John married in October of 1963, had 2 children, and, after 36 years, lost each other, then found each other again. God’s plan and their love for each other would not allow them to be parted any longer and they were remarried in May of 2018. 

John was in recovery fellowship for 39 years and helped many on their recovery journeys. 

John and his son enjoyed working together at their small engine sales and repair shop, John Oswald and Son, for 17 years before he retired and sold the business. He was such a successful salesman, he earned trips to London, Cancun, New Orleans, and Las Vegas. 

John knew the love of his family, and his love for them was evident and felt very deeply by each one of them. His easy-going way, his corny dad sense of humor, and his laugh will be missed by his family and friends, and his dog, Cuppa Joe. Stories shared among them include, not only his jokes and cheekiness, but also his enjoyment of the outdoors. John, along with his family, belonged to a snowmobile club (John raced snowmobiles) and a CB radio club. John was an avid sportsman who loved to hunt and fish. His children cherish fond memories of time spent in the woods together, or in a boat or creekside with fishing poles in their hands.

John was a member of Collamer United Church for 67 years. Sunday mornings were for church, but Sunday afternoons were for Nascar. John loved the races, and even worked in a pit crew for Mike and John Button at Weedsport Speedway. He was so happy with a wrench in his hand. 

His life was quite an adventure and he will be missed. 

Calling hours will take place Friday, September 29, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Traub Funeral Home Inc., 7975 Route 31, Bridgeport, NY 13030.

A funeral service will take place at Collamer United Church, 6865 Fly Rd, East Syracuse, NY 13057 on Saturday, September 30, starting at 10:00am with a graveside service following immediately after.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John's memory to the Collamer United Church.

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