Robert L. Osborne

Robert L. Osborne of Laurel, MD passed away on Wednesday May 2, 2018 at the age of 82.  He was preceded by his father, Robert, mother, Pearl White and sister, Marilyn. Surviving family members include his wife of 62 years Joan, daughters Valery Spriggs (James Jr.), Cheri Osborne, Robin Osborne, Carla Marshall; brother Frederick Osborne (Judith) of Georgia, sister Carol Suber of Connecticut, 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He graduated from University of Connecticut in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.  He entered the Army as 2nd Lieutenant after completing ROTC.  In 1977 he retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving 20 years.  He completed 2 tours in Vietnam and was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal, 2 Bronze Stars and 3 Army Commendation Medals. He worked as the Provost Marshal at Walter Reed from 1970 to 1975. He went to work for the Smithsonian as an Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist for another 20 years finally retiring in 1997. 

He was a prominent participant in many sports at the Dixwell Community Center. He excelled in track, softball and basketball. His best sport was basketball where he was the star player on their state championship team in 1951. He was also the MVP on the Dixwell Panthers team. He played for St. Luke’s in the YMCA church league.  He enjoyed all types of sports and played basketball in high school. He was inducted into the Hillhouse High School Hall of fame in March 26, 2011. In college, he was an exceptional player for UConn. He was subsequently voted captain of the basketball team in his senior year.  He also played basketball in the Maryland Senior Olympics. He attributed his basketball skills to his mother.

He and his wife Joan are members of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Beltsville, Maryland.

Services will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Friday May 11, 2018 with the viewing from 10 to 11 a.m., service immediately after and the burial to follow at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery.  Repast will be St. John’s after the burial.  All are welcome

"In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. John's for the Haiti Micah Project."

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