John R. Osborne, 80, of 24 Hedgehog Hollow, Bradford, passed away Tuesday, December 5th, 2023, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born June 4th, 1943, in Bradford Hospital, he was a son of the late J. Russell and Elizabeth W. (Carr) Osborne.
A 1961 graduate of Bradford Area High School, he went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in history from High Point University. He always remembered his time at High Point fondly joined by childhood friends and fellow alumni Chuck Schreiber and Richard McDowell.
On October 28, 1968, in Elkton MD, he married Rosemary (Harris) Osborne who survives.
After a brief employment with the Public Assistance Office, John joined the Pennsylvania National Guard. While serving his country, he was employed at the family owned W. R. Case & Sons and ultimately Vice President of Manufacturing for the cutlery company his Great Uncle Russ founded. He later became a small business owner himself of office supplies and culminating in Copy Connection, a Xerox sales franchise he co-owned with his lifetime friend Colin Heron.
He was a member of the Bradford Masonic Lodge #749, Royal Order of the Jesters, and the President of the Bradford Club followed by a membership in the Safety Committee that met at the Club every Tuesday night at 5 PM. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and following his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt. He was an avid collector of Case knives and memorabilia, Native American and Southwestern art as well as NASCAR collectible model cars.
He was a lifelong dog owner and car enthusiast that loved spending time with family and friends at home or the family camp in Willow Creek.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Rosemary, of 55 years, is one daughter, Ann (Bob) Zandi, of Bellefonte, one son, Jack (Shannon) Osborne, of Jamestown NY, four grandchildren, Jake Zandi, Matt Zandi, Grace Osborne, and Jack Harris Osborne, one sister, Judith O. (the late Larry) Orkus, of State College, and one niece Lauren Orkus and two nephews, Ryan and Spencer Orkus.
Family will receive friends on Friday, December 8, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 372 East Main Street, where funeral services will be held Saturday, at 11:00 am with Rev. W. LeRoy Beckes, retired Presbyterian minister officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery. Members of the Masonic Lodge 749 F&AM will conduct a masonic service at 6:45 pm Friday in the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the McKean County SPCA, PO Box 113, Bradford PA 16701, or a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com