Howard B.J. Osborne, age 94, a 32-year resident of Manteca, CA passed away, peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 17, 2022. Howard was a dedicated husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He was born on November 22, 1927, in Pageton, West Virginia, the son of the late Polly and Lilburn Osborne of Abney (Coal City) West Virginia, and the oldest son in a family of 9 children.
Howard was born and raised in various parts of West Virginia. As a young man he learned to work hard and to take on whatever job available to support himself and family. He worked alongside his father and brothers for a short time as a 'Coal Miner', and then went to welding school at Wilcox Welding. At the age of 18, from December 1945-1949 he served active duty in the US Navy, and an additional two years in reserves. He loved the Military, and he then proudly served active duty in the US Army, Sergeant 1949-1952 during the Korean War. He earned the Pres Unit Cit (formally known as the Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation. Korean Svs Medal w/8 Br Svc Stars. Howard married in 1952 and had two daughters: Elaine and Susan.
In 1962 he relocated his family to California and worked at Food Machinery Company. He then was employed at United Airlines in late 1962, with his brother Wayne. His brother Homer joined them a few years later. Howard had many passions in life. His brothers Wayne and Homer were both musicians and played, wrote and sang 'County Western' music. He loved jam sessions and could dance the night away. In 1969, while watching his brothers play music, he met his loving wife Elizabeth (Beth) Baird-Greco, of Idaho. They married in 1970, adding three children to their now blended family. At the time of his passing, he and Beth had been married just shy of 53 years.
Howard and Beth retired in 1990, and relocated to Manteca, CA. Howard loved telling stories. His were legendary and those who knew him have their own stories to tell. Those that came to know him, knew that if he called you ‘George’ you had his friendship. Howard enjoyed his retirement to the fullest. He was an avid golfer, a member of the Manteca Men's Golf Club for over 20 years and bowled in a league for a few years. In his Golf days, he not only landed a 'Hole in One' he had 'Two'. He used his time wisely to work on his many hobbies, his vast collection of Country Music, coins and welding--he was an artist! He was a strong patriarch of his family, a good friend to all. He was a good father who always took care of his children and did the best he could to teach and guide them, a loving grandfather and “great-grand” father to many. Days before his passing, he was surrounded by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, siblings and extended family. All who knew him will cherish his impact on their lives.
Howard is survived by his four daughters, Elaine Osborne, Susan Forsythe, Frances Scott (Jimmy), and Patricia Greco. Grandchildren, Kimmie Sandoval (Hector), Mandy Forsythe Olson (Elijah), Cody Forsythe (Jessica), Joseph Long (Rebekah), Andrea Holland (Bill), Angela Casetta, Anthony Greco (Liz), Max Woulf and Elaina Hannon (Jeremy). Great grandchildren Alison Bergman (William), Riley Miranda, Bailee Hill, Cole Long, Hunter Campbell, Zoey Campbell, Taylor Casetta, Jacob Casetta, Cylas Casetta, Nico Sandoval, Coldyn Forsythe, Alivia Olson and Garett Olson, Lauren Greco, and Jackson Hannon. Great-great grandchildren Taylie Bergman and Truett Bergman.
In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Greco, brothers, Kenneth, Lillard, and Homer, sisters Martha, Janice and Della. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth, brother Wayne (Sara) Osborne, and sister Joyce Stanley; countless extended family members and friends that will miss him dearly.
A “Celebration of Life & Memorial Service” will be held on Saturday, 0ctober 15, 2022 at Camelia Gardens Club House, 197 Garden Circle Dr E., Manteca, CA, 95336, at 1 p.m.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95204, or to the charity of your choice. The family would like to thank the Hospice teams of San Joaquin for their compassionate care of Howard, in his time of failing health.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, October 8, 2022
