Robert Leonard "Bob" Oswald

Robert Leonard “Bob” Oswald was born November 20, 1927, in Hillside, NJ, son of the late Julius Robert Edward Oswald, Sr. and Marjory Harriet Smith Oswald of Copiague, NY and passed away peacefully September 4, 2022 in Charleston, SC, at the age of 94 after a brief illness. Mr. Oswald was married to his beloved wife, the late Gertrude Ruth Alexander Oswald, for 61 years.

Surviving are his children: Carolyn Schmonsees (John) of Holly Springs, NC, Thomas Oswald of Stockbridge, GA, Dorothy Harbaugh of Irmo, SC, Deborah Hart (Bobby) of Woodruff, SC and Rhonda Fulmer (Michael) of Columbia, SC; eight grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is predeceased by his mother and father, two brothers, three sisters, and two grandchildren.

Bob attended Mepham High School in Bellmore, NY; was a veteran of the U.S. Navy for six years having served as a Seaman Apprentice in World War II aboard the U.S.S. Waller and was a participant in the WWII Veterans’ Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2011.  While stationed in Charleston, SC he met his wife, Ruth, and they married after his discharge. Charleston was their first home, then Sayville, NY and returned to Charleston to raise their family. While in New York, Bob worked for UPS and Republic Aviation and upon moving back to Charleston worked for the Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company, Western Auto, Sears Roebuck & Company and the Charleston Naval Shipyard where he retired in 1986 after 27 years. 

He was a Master Mason of the Strict Observance Lodge No. 73 of Charleston, SC in 1953 and became a Life Member of that Lodge in 1993.  Bob enjoyed helping and doing things for others and became a volunteer fireman for the James Island Fire Department. He joined the American Legion Post 147 of James Island where he was active in various projects and events including their extensive renovation of the Banquet Hall. Bob held several Post positions and was awarded the Special Award for Outstanding Support in 2012 and the Legionnaire of the Year Award 2013 In recognition of Outstanding Leadership and Service. Throughout his membership, he stayed connected to the Post and valued his relationships with his fellow veterans and friends.

Bob was a self-taught pianist early in life and could listen to a song once or twice, pick it out on the keyboard and in a few minutes play it. Throughout his life he pursued his passion for playing the piano in various well-known public venues in New York as well as Charleston. This began in New York when he was part of a band and continued after moving back to Charleston. He particularly enjoyed collaborating with a local radio station host in setting up a game they named “Stump the Piano Man” for the public to call in and request a song for Bob to play and if he couldn’t, the caller would win a prize for stumping the Piano Man (there were only one or two winners in the duration the game had been aired).

Bob was a member of St. Johannes Lutheran Church in Charleston, SC since 1958 where he and his late wife raised their children. He was actively involved in many activities that supported the church’s mission some of which were singing in the church choir, playing piano on special occasions, participating in various church activities and functions, and assisting in the church services. In addition, his last public piano performance was providing background music in the church Fellowship Hall during the Tour of Homes in Charleston.  He loved his church and church family, and they gave him great comfort and support through the years.

The family is especially grateful for the help and support of close friend Libby Abbey during Bob’s illness when they were not able to be with him.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to either of the following: St. Johannes Lutheran Church, 48 Hasell Street, Charleston, SC  29401 or to The American Legion Post 147, 968 Folly Road, Charleston, SC  29412.

Arrangements are being handled by J. Henry Stuhr’s Funeral Home Downtown.  

The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 6, 2022, in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. His funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 7, 2022 in St. Johannes Lutheran Church, 48 Hasell Street at 10:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow in Bethany Cemetery.