Oswald H. Cumberbatch, Jr.

Oswald Cumberbatch Jr., known as “Ozzie” to family and friends, was born on October 11, 1949 in Brooklyn to parents Oswald Sr. and Bernice Cumberbatch.  One of six children, his siblings are brother: Kenrick, sister: Joyce (deceased), brother: Selwyn, sister: Hazel and brother: Byron.

Ozzie attended grade school and junior high in Brooklyn and was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout through the St. Phillips Church, where the family attended.  Ozzie excelled at anything he did and never settled for less than his best.  He carried that outlook with him when the family moved to Long Island after he graduated junior high school. Attending Amityville Memorial High School, Ozzie pursued academic excellence.  Whether it was the Student Council, Honors Society, or the school newspaper, Ozzie was all in.  He also played on the football team, and was on the wrestling team, where he was a state champion.  Upon graduation, he advanced to Hampton University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.

Following college, Ozzie started a job at the Brooklyn Union Gas Company.  One day, Ozzie stepped out of the elevators and inadvertently walked into the path of who would become his future wife.  He asked this young lady Sandra to lunch and after this, the rest was history.  Ozzie and Sandra were married on April 7, 1973 and he was a loving husband and a dedicated father to their two sons Joffrey and Brockton.  Together, they enjoyed traveling and were surrounded with a great circle of friends.  Not only did Ozzie and Sandra experience true love, but they remained good friends for life.  Ozzie pursued a higher education and earned his Master’s degree in accounting, opening the doors to better opportunities so he could make a better life for his family.  Ozzie’s heart was stolen by the birth of his grandson Caleb King Cumberbatch, who he loved and cherished right through his last days.

I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect upon the memories of my father.  “Words cannot express how much my dad has helped me and meant to me throughout my life.  He was an amazing father, son, brother and grandfather.  In fact, he was the best I have ever seen.  I can’t help but cry and get emotional when thinking about him and the opportunities missed to give him all the praise and appreciation that he deserved.  That is a regret I will have to live with.  He excelled academically, religiously, professionally, and socially and was someone I admired and inspired to be.  He was solid on all ends without reproach.  It was his passion to be a rock for those he loved and he enjoyed every minute of it, no matter what was asked.  He was there for me – whether being a sounding board, a laugh, money, financial and political counsel, and lord knows any accounting or financial advice while I was in school.  He helped me get through economic statistics and accounting.  He has done this and so much more for me and so many people in this world.  I love you dad and I miss you dearly.  May you rest in greatness, joy and peace.  Thank you for being you and helping me to be the best me I can be.”                           

Ozzie was also man of faith, and the church was very dear to him.  He supported the church in many ways over the years and was proud to do it.  When it came to talks of retirement, Ozzie was encouraged to make the big move so he could enjoy life.  After finally agreeing, he became one of the best travel clients of his travel agent. He was passionate about visiting new and exotic places – there were no boundaries.  He had plans to travel the world with William Callahan, a dear friend that he held close to his heart, but unfortunately God had different plans.

Oswald Cumberbatch Jr. departed this life to live forever with the Lord on June 4, 2021.  His entire family and his very large circle of friends thank god for the precious time they were given with Ozzie and will forever cherish him, and the many memories made over the years in their hearts. This is not goodbye forever, it’s only goodbye for now. Ozzie will be forever remembered for his caring heart, loving embrace and unconditional love.  Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort that he will be in heaven watching over us In conclusion, the Lord’s Prayer is being dedicated by Caleb to his beloved grandfather:

“Our father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name;

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power, now and forever,

Amen”

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