Paul Richard Osterman
Posted By Kyle Nikola On April 13, 2020 @ 3:53 pm In Obituaries | 15 Comments
Paul R. Osterman, 58, of Savannah, GA, formerly from Utica NY, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2020.
Paul was born in Utica, NY the son of the late Laurence and Barbara Osterman. He attended local schools and graduated from Notre Dame High School. He went on to SUNY Fredonia where he earned
bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music. He also earned a degree in computer science from SUNY IT in Utica. He worked for General Electric in Utica, United States Air Force Research Lab in Rome NY and Armstrong University in Savannah, GA.
Music was Paul’s life. A talented musician, he started music lessons at a young age. He continually entertained friends and family playing the piano. He devoted a lot of time playing music for local and professional theatre groups. A gig he was very proud of was a short stint at a professional recording studio in NYC where he worked with musicians like Gene Simmons. He also spent two seasons working for Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, NY. Paul’s light continued to shine as the organist for both the United Methodist Church in New Hartford NY, and Wesley Oaks Methodist Church in Savannah GA.
Paul was very active in local community theatre where he met his co-star in life, Jacquelin Jones. For many years they ran the Hartford Players Youth Theatre (HPYT) in Utica. They married in 1994. Paul was best known for his encouragement of others, his countless wry jokes, his love of crossword puzzles and his optimistic view and love of life. He loved his wife and family immensely, was very proud of his sons and treasured the time he spent with them.
Paul is survived by his wife of 25 years, Jacquelin, his sons Jordan and Zachary, his sister Susan (John) O’Neil of Rochester, New York, and many cousins. He also leaves behind his much-loved dogs, “his girls”, Ellie and Summer.
In light of the pandemic, the family will host a public celebration of life memorial gathering at a later date in both Savannah and Utica.
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I am so sorry for Jackie, the boys and the music and theater world. Paul was a lovely man and talented musician who was kind and gentle to everyone he worked with. God will have a special choir for you to accompany. ❤
Paul was the eternal optimist and quintessential musician. Playing piano was like breathing to him. Jackie and I met when her son, Zach, and my daughter, Bekah, were actors in an HBO series that filmed in Charleston, SC. I love this family and Paul will definitely be remembered in our hearts and minds.
I will always remember the look on his face when I hit the high E for Mame as Agnes Gooch. Much love to you and your family, he was a wonderful soul.
My deepest condolences to Jackie, the boys and extended family. Paul was funny, kind, and so super talented. I have many fond memories of making music with Paul. I counted last night and we played close to 20 shows together. During that time we shared a lot of laughs and inside jokes. I think that is what kept me coming back, we always had fun. Our pre show warm up wasn’t always typical, it usually contained a quick run through of Rock Lobster, a jazz standard or changing the words to the vocal warm-ups. When I heard Paul passed, my heart broke, for his family, his friends and for everyone that knows him. He was just a good guy. Sending much love. Kara, Josie & Josh
Paul was a light for our Wesley Oak Family and especially for our choir. We will miss him and will carry him in our hearts with every song. Praying for peace for the family and hoping they find comfort in each other during this difficult time.
We met Paul through JJ and Wesley Oaks. We grew to love him and to enjoy his unique sense of humor and especially his surprise additions to the preludes and offertories. He will be greatly missed.
An amazing talent has been lost. Wesley Oak and all who knew you will miss you. My deepest sympathies to your family.
I’m at a loss for words on the passing of Paul. I worked with him at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, NY where his expertise in unix systems and networking was a cornerstone for site operations there – behind the scenes, making sure everything was running smoothly. The group of us who worked with Paul have many fond memories of him. After he left Rome, we maintained an at-least-weekly communication through Facebook – both with his posts about music played on Sundays at church, and with other friends of ours who had worked together. His wit was amazing, funny, and always brought me great cheer. My Facebook feed already feels a void left by Paul. Wishing his family all the best, with condolences for all.
Y’all have my deepest sympathy my condulences and prayers right now to his family he was great musician friend at Wesley oak umc will be truly missed
My deepest sympathy Jackie, Jordan and Zach for the loss of your husband/father. He was much loved by the children you all worked with and trained.
In the few years that we have been part of the Wesley Oak family I can’t remember a single Sunday that Paul was not at the piano. He was a kind and genuine man and will be missed immensely. I wtill miss his beautiful music and will, especially, miss his weekly Facebook posts after the service and the intelligent whit and humor that was their trademark.
May our Lord and Savior grant you his strength and peace at this most difficult time and may he repose Paul’s soul in the eternal paradise of joy.
Jackie, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. My heart goes out to you and I pray you find peace in the wonderful memories you and Paul made together. Blessings to you.
So sorry for your loss of Paul. He is in peace with the Lord now and is not in pain. My wife Denese and I attend services at Wesley Oak United Methodist Church, and we always enjoyed hearing Paul play the piano. Being a musician myself, I was very much appreciative of his interpretation, nuances, and ad lib that added so much to the harmonious sound of his music. He was truly a talented musician.
On December 24, 2019 at Christmas Eve Communion service, I had the pleasure of playing my alto saxophone with Paul accompanying. It was truly a memorable experience! The performance was videoed, and I will hold on to it. Covid-19 is such a terrible thing for the world. Denese and I will continue to pray especially for the health and safety of your family.
God bless,
Jack and Denese Donkar
Jackie, so sorry for your loss… my condolences to you, your boys and family. So many years of great memories that I will cherish forever… your in our thoughts…
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Paul was one of a kind. He was talented, had a wonderful sense of humor and optimistic nature. We are so blessed to have called him a friend and Wesley Oak was fortunate to have his talent. We are holding the Osterman family and friends in our hearts and prayers. Know that you are loved and we are here.