Henry W. (“Hank”) Oswald of Dingmans Ferry, Pa., entered his eternal rest on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021.
During his last days, he was surrounded by friends and family.
Hank was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Nov. 22, 1932, to Henry and Ida Oswald. While in high school, he was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War in the Military Police and as the Chaplain’s Assistant.
After his release from service, he married the love of his life, Katherine (nee Gampert), and they had three sons. Hank began a window washing company with his father in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. This business grew to become O’Kay Cleaning and Maintenance. It later evolved into Father and Son Cleaning when Hank and Kathy moved to Dingmans Ferry in 1987.
Hank was a life member of Kiwanis International, serving as Lieutenant Governor, and was highly involved in opening Key Clubs in the New York area. He was a life member of Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. Hank was highly involved with his son in scouting, which included the start of a scout marching band in Queens. He and Kathy served in many church ministries including Marriage Encounter, Pre-Cana and Cursillo.
A lifelong music lover, Hank entertained many as The Accordion Man. He was an entrepreneur and at one time had a business, Gems of the Earth, which included a museum, imported international stones, and tooled the art of making jewelry. Hank and Kathy modeled a loving, faithful couple who were involved in marriage counseling and counselled many couples.
Hank was predeceased by his wife, Kathy; his sister-in-law, Edna Gampert and his sons, Henry R. Oswald and Paul J. Oswald. He is survived by his son, John T. Oswald and his wife, Susan; grandchildren, Karen Thompson, John (Tisha) Thompson, Katherine (Jared) Sanders, Sam (Ashley) Oswald, Diana (Al) Pachulski, Paul J. Oswald, Jr., Michael (Sarah) Oswald, Angel (Tim) Heath, Krystle Oswald, Tara, Missy and Keira (Natalie) Powell; his daughter-in-law, Cheryl Oswald; sister, Rosemary Petro; and ten great-grandchildren.
Hank will be remembered as a follower of Christ, a server of his church, a leader, poet, storyteller and motivational speaker, fighter, thinker, and lover of people.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Jan. 23 at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Milford, Pa., with Msgr. Robert Carroll officiating. Burial followed at Milford Cemetery, Dingman Township.
Donations in Hank’s memory may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Sharing Fund, 101 St. Vincent Drive, Milford, PA, 18337-9672. Arrangements were made by Stroyan Funeral Home, Milford.