Richard A. Ostroski Sr. passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Geisinger Community Medical Center. He was the beloved husband of Lois Sokoloski Ostroski.
Born in Scranton and a lifelong resident of Moosic, Rich was the son of the late John and Wanda Ostroski.
A graduate of Scranton Technical High School, Rich studied engineering at Penn State and proudly served in the United States Army as part of the 82nd Combat Engineers and later with the U.S. Army Reserves, Company C, 365th Engineers, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. A prominent figure in roofing construction, Rich was co-owner of Mid-Valley Roofing and Supply Company Inc. and co-founded American Roofing Systems Inc. He also served as past president for Taylor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, playing a key role in its establishment.
Rich was deeply involved in community and fraternal organizations, serving as director of the Polish National Union of America, District #1, and as past president of the Spojnia Credit Union. He was also a past member of the Scranton Lodge of Elks, the Greater Scranton Penn State Club and the Penn State Ridge View Society of Benefactors.
Following his retirement, Rich worked as a funeral attendant and hearse driver for Neil W. Regan Funeral Home Inc., and other local funeral homes. His calm, soft-spoken demeanor provided comfort to countless families during their times of need.
As a devout Christian, Rich was initially a member of St. Stanislaus Polish National Catholic Church, later attending Parker Hill Community Church, and more recently, Grace Bible Church in Dunmore. He actively participated in leadership, development and ministry throughout his life.
Rich's greatest joy was his family. He cherished the achievements of his sons, their spouses and his grandchildren. He made friends wherever he went and enjoyed the camaraderie of those around him. He also enjoyed his cars, traveling to Florida in the winter where he and Lois loved volunteering with Samaritan's Purse through their church there, and maintaining a meticulous yard for all to relish.
He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, Rich is survived by his sons, Richard Jr. and his wife, Christine; and Mark and his wife, Renee; his grandsons, Mark Jr., Dylan and Nathan; his granddaughter, Tegan; and his nieces and nephews, J. Christopher Ostroski, Arthur Golembeski Jr., Kara Krystina Ostroski-Francis, Michelle Keenon, Jenna Setsuda and Lori Roshak; as well as his sisters-in-law, Henrietta Ostroski, Jan Sokoloski and Ellen Golembeski; and brother-in-law, Dr. Don Sokoloski. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack; and his sister, Delores.
The funeral will be held on Friday at 10 a.m., with a service led by Pastor Dave Lee of Grace Bible Church at the Neil W. Regan Funeral Home, 1900 Pittston Ave., Scranton, Pa. Friends and family may call on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the "Ostroski Family Scholarship" at Penn State Scranton, 120 Ridgeview Drive, Dunmore, PA 18512, which benefits needful adult students as well as the St. Stanislaus Polish National Church, 510 E. Locust St., Scranton, PA 18505; and Grace Bible Church, 130 University Drive, Dunmore, PA 18512.