Obituary

Richard Gerald Oswald, 72, of Chippewa Twp., went home to be with the Lord Jesus on Tuesday, May 10, 2016.Born November 27, 1943, in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Richard F. and Harriet A. (Stillwagon) Oswald. He was an active member of St. Monica’s Parish in Chippewa. Richard was a dedicated teacher in the Blackhawk School District for 37 years, and could frequently be found volunteering there even after retirement. He founded the Junior Historians Club, where he sponsored numerous student trips. He also produced and directed annual middle school plays, the most well known being “The Legend of Barbara Davidson.” You could always count on him to tell a good ghost story, teach you something new about history, lend you a helping hand, or make you laugh with a joke. He was a former member and past president of the Blackhawk School Board. Richard was a published novelist, softball umpire, avid golfer, and an enthusiastic Steelers fan.He is survived by his loving wife, Sharen H. (Cepris) Oswald; his children, Meredith Oswald-Oliver of Patterson Twp., Richard K. and Carli Oswald of Hartville, OH, and Emily and Matthew Milbert of Durham, NC; his brother, James (Patti) Oswald of Catonsville, MD; his sisters, Susan (Larry) Kaufman and Joyce Oswald, both of Beaver; his sister-in-law, Patty Oswald of Chippewa Twp.; his brother-in-law, Rick (Lyn) Cepris of Erie; his four grandchildren, Zachary Oliver, and Ashlyn, Richard Neal and Cason Oswald; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David Oswald.Friends will be received Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from Noon to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Chippewa Twp., www.gabauerluttonfuneralhome.com, where prayers will be held on Saturday at 9:20 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Monica’s, Darlington site. Father Kim Schreck will officiate.Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made, in Richard’s name, to the Blackhawk Foundation, 500 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls PA 15010 or the Knights of Columbus # 604, c/o St. Monica’s Parish, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls PA 15010