Robert Bruce McOsker
July 17, 1944 ~ June 17, 2018
Robert Bruce McOsker, 73, of Vienna, VA died Sunday, June 17, 2018 at his home after a long battle with lung cancer.
Bob was born on July 17, 1944 in Lewiston, Maine to Leo F. and Marie B. (Henshaw) McOsker. As a New England native, Bob grew up as a lifelong Ted Williams and Boston Red Sox fan. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Government from Bowdoin College in 1966 and was a brother of Theta Delta Chi Fraternity. He also earned a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Chicago in 1968.
Bob was a Vietnam War veteran, serving in the US Army. During his service, Bob earned five medals – the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Bronze Star.
Bob met his future wife, Hue Thi McOsker, while stationed in Vietnam and they were married on March 4, 1972. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Jennifer McOsker and her husband Dr. Douglas Walled of Saratoga Springs, NY, a sister, Nancy Fontaine, of Derby, VT and in-laws who loved him very much. Bob was also eagerly anticipating the birth of his first grandchild, a boy, expected in August. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William McOsker.
He worked for the US Federal Government for 41 years, most of which was with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, retiring as the Special Assistant for Administration and Communications in the Office of the Chairman. Over his tenure, several Chairmen recognized Bob with a Special Act Award in recognition of a special act or service which resulted in a significant contribution to the mission of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
At his request, there will be no viewing or service.
Bob was born on July 17, 1944 in Lewiston, Maine to Leo F. and Marie B. (Henshaw) McOsker. As a New England native, Bob grew up as a lifelong Ted Williams and Boston Red Sox fan. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Government from Bowdoin College in 1966 and was a brother of Theta Delta Chi Fraternity. He also earned a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Chicago in 1968.
Bob was a Vietnam War veteran, serving in the US Army. During his service, Bob earned five medals – the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Bronze Star.
Bob met his future wife, Hue Thi McOsker, while stationed in Vietnam and they were married on March 4, 1972. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Jennifer McOsker and her husband Dr. Douglas Walled of Saratoga Springs, NY, a sister, Nancy Fontaine, of Derby, VT and in-laws who loved him very much. Bob was also eagerly anticipating the birth of his first grandchild, a boy, expected in August. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William McOsker.
He worked for the US Federal Government for 41 years, most of which was with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, retiring as the Special Assistant for Administration and Communications in the Office of the Chairman. Over his tenure, several Chairmen recognized Bob with a Special Act Award in recognition of a special act or service which resulted in a significant contribution to the mission of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
At his request, there will be no viewing or service.
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The greatness of Robert McOsker cannot just be measured by his own individual life and achievements, however great and however many. First through service to his country then service from his education he achieved numerous medals, awards & commendations. The true picture must empirically be acknowledged that all the other lives he in some way touched or influenced were greatly enhanced. Whether it’s his wife of 46 years Hue or his daughter Dr Jennifer McOsker Walled or his wife’s extended family who emigrated to the United States from South Vietnam close to 40 years ago ALL are who they are or where they are in some degree because Bobs love and care were provided from his heart. His legacy is one of love wisdom & kindness. The only thing left to say is……… See you later!
Bob became my brother-in-law when I was a young lady, just a teenager. From the start I thought he was a very honest and direct man who had a tremendous loving heart. How he treated and took care of my sister and their daughter Jenny was proof positive. Being my age at the time and not knowing my real father he filled the void and gave me and the family a sense of security we needed in coming to the US from Vietnam. His help, advice and loving support made all our lives happier.
Even after becoming ill he still showed who he was by managing to visit his brother-in-law in his final hours!
Bob was just a wonderful person who I’ll forever miss but never forget. Rest In Peace Bob!
My Uncle Bob
Robert McOsker, who married my Aunty Hue, became my legal guardian and Uncle Bob when he sponsored me to the United States I was 7 yrs old. I grew up living with Uncle Bob, my aunty Hue and their daughter (my cousin) Jennifer. I remember Christmas was Uncle Bob’s favorite time of the year. The day after Thanksgiving every year, Christmas music would be played on the living room radio all the way up to Christmas. I think it drove my aunt crazy sometimes. He’d walk around the house with a cup of coffee in one hand, a smoking pipe in the other and taking an occasional puff while he sang along to the Christmas carols on the radio. His spirit was infectious. Jenny and I would help decorate the ceiling high Christmas tree with thousands of strands of tinsel. According to Uncle Bob, you can never have too much tinsel. I’m 44 yrs old now and every XMas I find myself doing the same thing Uncle Bob did. Minus the smoking pipe… Thanks for the wonderful memories Uncle Bob. You will forever be in our hearts. See ya later!
Santa Bob
Recent pics of Bob and Hue
A few of Bob’s favorite foods
Bob McOsker was one of my dearest friends, and I regarded him as family, even though we had only met face to face on two occasions. He and I were members of the same company in Long Binh, South Vietnam, but – because we were assigned to different units – neither of us could ever recall meeting over there. I began learning what a warm, kind and loving individual Bob was when his then fiance Hue asked me to read a letter she was getting ready to send him. This was 1971, and Bob had already completed his tour of duty and returned to the U.S. He was corresponding with Hue via a buddy’s APO address, and Hue was paying a man in her village to help her write letters back to Bob in proper English. Eventually, when Bob’s friend was preparing to go home, I became the go-between and would help Hue read Bob’s letters, compose her answers and use my Army mail address to send and receive. We first communicated when I wrote to him to explain that, at Hue’s request, I was willing to help them stay in touch. It was always a bit embarrassing to read someone else’s love letters, but in doing so I quickly saw the nature of the man and his deep affection for Hue. Before I left Vietnam, I convinced them to try out the Republic of Vietnam’s own postal system, and they did that from then on.. Bob put me up for a night when I got back to the States and told me of his hope and plan to find some sort of civilian job to get him back to Vietnam for the year he figured it would take to meet Hue’s family and wade through all the red tape it would take to be able to marry Hue and bring her to America. In our extended conversation, I learned how Bob and Hue had met and become engaged, a little about her circumstances in Vietnam, and a lot about this very well-spoken, friendly man. I recognized Bob then and until the end of his life as a true gentleman in the; most literal sense of the word. Although we spoke on the phone from time to time, Bob and I only met once thereafter when my fiance and I made a weekend trip to D.C. for a tour of the Smithsonian in the mid-1970s. Over the years I learned of Bob and Hue’s strong and loving marriage, his help for her family members, and the birth and wonderful progress of their lovely daughter, Jennifer. Since just before leaving Vietnam, I have called Hue “my little sister” and have come to regard Bob as a brother or brother-in-law. Our last telephone conversations were – as always – mostly about his family and especially Hue. He was a truly good man, and I only wish I had gotten to meet with him again. Our world needs a lot more like Robert McOsker. I send my prayers and love to his family.
Heaven received another angel on June 17, 2018. My Brother in Law was truly a loving and caring man. When I was young my sisters were teasing around and told me that I was adopted. I got mad and walked out of the house and told everyone that I was running away. Everyone thought I was kidding but Bob didn’t. He sensed that I was truly upset and told everyone to go look for me. He was absolutely correct. Bob was kind and gentle and treated others with kindness and respects. Toward the last several months of his life, I had a chance of spending more time with Bob. We talked and chatted about our family. I thanked Bob for all his help with our family. He provided us a place to live and taught us English at night when we arrived in the United States. I enjoyed time watching the Masterpiece Mystery-Endeavor with him . We discussed about it and played guessing game of who did it on the episode. Bob left his place on earth but he still lives in our hearts and memories. RIP my loving Brother in Law.