Obituary for Thomas Joseph Oswald
Thomas Joseph Oswald, age 78, passed away August 14, 2020, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 20, 1942 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Mary Louise and Joseph Oswald. Tom is survived by his wife Jane, of Pennsburg; Tom and Jane would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on August 22.
Tom graduated from Parkland High School in 1961 and went on to play football at Delaware Valley College (DVC) where he earned a degree in Biology in 1965. In 1967, Tom received a Master of Education from Lehigh University. During that same time, he and Jane started their family, which eventually grew to include 6 kids.
Tom was a dedicated and hardworking employee and had a fulfilling career in pharmaceuticals, beginning his career in toxicology at Wyeth Laboratories in 1968 as an associate biologist. He continued to advance in his roles working at both Sterling-Winthrop and went on to lead the US technical project management office for the French pharmaceutical firm Sanofi-Aventis.
Tom touched many students' hearts since he was always a committed volunteer in the Pottstown youth sports programs. From the early 1970’s up through the 1990’s Tom was a PIAA High School Football referee. Later in the 2000’s, Tom was a volunteer assistant Track and Field Coach for Pottstown Sr High School, working closely with the Pole Vaulters, even coaching his own grandchildren. Tom was also an avid men's collegiate wrestling fan. He took his sons and grandsons to Lehigh University Men's Wrestling matches since he was a long-time season ticket holder.
After retirement, Tom mostly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who were the joy of his life. He loved fishing, going to the beach, swimming, singing around the campfire, watching the Philadelphia Eagles, building bubble machines -- all with his grandkids by his side. He attended every athletic event he could for his children and grandchildren. Tom also volunteered with Openlink by delivering Meals on Wheels and he also tutored GED students. Tom and Jane enjoyed traveling, whether it was riding their Honda Goldwing motorcycles or taking their grandchildren on trips to France.
In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by six children, son Jeff and his wife Linda Oswald of Stewartsville, NJ; son Christopher Oswald of East Greenville, PA; son Mark and his wife Kim Oswald of Woodstock, GA; daughter Patty Fetterman and her husband Terry of Pottstown, PA; daughter Allyson Oswald and husband Allan Garvin of Chester, VT, daughter Monica Oswald and her husband Chris Burns of East Greenville, PA. Tom loved his grandkids the best of all: Katie, Thomas, Jacob, Claire, Sara, Miles, Henry, Lily, Forest, Joe, Topher, Lyssa, Avery and Triston.
There will be a private ceremony for Tom’s immediate family. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held in the future once it's safe to congregate. Arrangements entrusted to Mann-Slonaker Funeral Home, East Greenville. Offer sympathy to the family at www.mannslonakerfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of your flowers, please consider a donation to the Equal Justice Initiative, eji.org, whose mission aligns with Tom’s lifelong dedication to civil rights.
Tom graduated from Parkland High School in 1961 and went on to play football at Delaware Valley College (DVC) where he earned a degree in Biology in 1965. In 1967, Tom received a Master of Education from Lehigh University. During that same time, he and Jane started their family, which eventually grew to include 6 kids.
Tom was a dedicated and hardworking employee and had a fulfilling career in pharmaceuticals, beginning his career in toxicology at Wyeth Laboratories in 1968 as an associate biologist. He continued to advance in his roles working at both Sterling-Winthrop and went on to lead the US technical project management office for the French pharmaceutical firm Sanofi-Aventis.
Tom touched many students' hearts since he was always a committed volunteer in the Pottstown youth sports programs. From the early 1970’s up through the 1990’s Tom was a PIAA High School Football referee. Later in the 2000’s, Tom was a volunteer assistant Track and Field Coach for Pottstown Sr High School, working closely with the Pole Vaulters, even coaching his own grandchildren. Tom was also an avid men's collegiate wrestling fan. He took his sons and grandsons to Lehigh University Men's Wrestling matches since he was a long-time season ticket holder.
After retirement, Tom mostly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who were the joy of his life. He loved fishing, going to the beach, swimming, singing around the campfire, watching the Philadelphia Eagles, building bubble machines -- all with his grandkids by his side. He attended every athletic event he could for his children and grandchildren. Tom also volunteered with Openlink by delivering Meals on Wheels and he also tutored GED students. Tom and Jane enjoyed traveling, whether it was riding their Honda Goldwing motorcycles or taking their grandchildren on trips to France.
In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by six children, son Jeff and his wife Linda Oswald of Stewartsville, NJ; son Christopher Oswald of East Greenville, PA; son Mark and his wife Kim Oswald of Woodstock, GA; daughter Patty Fetterman and her husband Terry of Pottstown, PA; daughter Allyson Oswald and husband Allan Garvin of Chester, VT, daughter Monica Oswald and her husband Chris Burns of East Greenville, PA. Tom loved his grandkids the best of all: Katie, Thomas, Jacob, Claire, Sara, Miles, Henry, Lily, Forest, Joe, Topher, Lyssa, Avery and Triston.
There will be a private ceremony for Tom’s immediate family. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held in the future once it's safe to congregate. Arrangements entrusted to Mann-Slonaker Funeral Home, East Greenville. Offer sympathy to the family at www.mannslonakerfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of your flowers, please consider a donation to the Equal Justice Initiative, eji.org, whose mission aligns with Tom’s lifelong dedication to civil rights.