Lewis J. Oswald, 76

April 12, 2025

Lewis J. Oswald, 76, of Lancaster, passed away at his home on Saturday, April 12, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born in Hazelton, PA, he was the son of the late James Oswald Sr. and Ann (Stash) Oswald.

Lew served his country as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War from 1967-1969. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal. His service left a lasting impression on him, and he never forgot the sacrifices of his fellow soldiers. Every year on February 19th and other times throughout the year, Lew would make a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to honor his fallen brothers. Two of his best buddies, Mike and Flint, preceded him in death. After his military service, Lew continued to serve his community. He was a proud supporter of the Millersville VFW Post 7294. After serving countless hours of volunteer work, the VFW created an award that was named after him. He was also an active member of several local social clubs. Lew worked hard as a blaster for Hahn Construction, Local 158. In his free time, he enjoyed duck hunting, cheering on his favorite football teams: the Houston Oilers and the Tennessee Titans, and rooting for his all-time favorite player, Earl Campbell. Lew was the kind of man who left an impression wherever he went. He was respected, admired, and deeply loved by many.

He is survived by sons Eric (Cristal) Oswald, Keith (Cherie) Oswald II, and Travis (Carolyn) Oswald; daughter-in-law, Krissy Oswald; siblings Debby (Damian) Gorman and Barry (Gerry) Oswald; grandchildren, Nathaniel, Desiree, Damian, Ashlee, Maddie, Cole, and Harper; four great-grandchildren; and his partner, Regina “Jeanni” McElroy.

Lew is preceded in death by his wife, Janis Oswald; son Lewis J. Oswald II; and siblings Roy Oswald, Diann Condren, James Oswald, and Keith Oswald.

Friends and family will be received from 9am to 11am on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA 17584. A Memorial Service will follow beginning at 11am. Lew will be laid to rest at Conestoga Memorial Park, 95 2nd Lock Rd, Lancaster, PA 17603.

Lew lived his life embodying the Cherokee word “Currahee,” meaning “we stand alone… together.”

“From this day to the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remember’d; We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile.”