John Howard Osborn, age 75, of Wilmington, DE passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, with his family by his side.
Born in Toronto, Canada he was the son of the late Elaine and John “Jack” Harry Osborn. The family moved to Moorestown, NJ when John was very young after which they spent several years in Parma, Italy. Returning to Moorestown, John continued his schooling and graduated from Moorestown High School in 1967. He attended the University of Delaware as a Philosophy major where he met and married the love of his life. After raising his family, he returned to college and obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree at Immaculata College, Immaculata, PA.
He began his professional career in finance with Wilmington Trust. After several years in banking, he made a career change to commercial real estate and property management working with Investors Realty, Inc. then Commerce Realty before moving to Patterson Woods Commercial Properties. Observing a market opportunity, John opened Patterson Osborn Exchange Services specializing in1031 tax deferred exchanges.
Very engaged in the community, John was a mediator for the Better Business Bureau of Delaware, served as president of the Commercial-Industrial Realty Council (CIRC) in New Castle County, Delaware, served as a board member for the Central YMCA in Wilmington, volunteered with the No One Dies Alone Foundation and was a member of the 1st Delaware Regiment Living History Reenactors.
John loved going on ‘adventures’ from driving the back roads of Vermont and New England, to sailing the Chesapeake Bay in his 33’ Pearson,Kokomo,to traveling to Czech, France, Italy and the British Virgin Islands, always with his wife, Heloise, at his side.
Proud of his Scottish heritage, he often wore his clan kilt to special occasions and dances. He was often asked ‘what was worn under his kilt’ which amused him greatly.
John was an avid reader, and his home was filled with books. He enjoyed a wide variety of subjects from Tolkien and Star Trek to King Arthur, Enid Blyton’s Famous Five adventures to Calvin and Hobbs, history and historical biographies to Harry Potter. He shared a love of music with his wife and was always downloading new songs that he liked and wanted to remember. He even took saxophone lessons for a time with his dog Niagara singing along. His interests were wide and varied and included ballroom dancing, photography, and local history.
He will be remembered by his family for his steadfast love, his quirky humor and his quiet presence. His most cherished time was spent with his loving wife and family and attending family events: sports games, concerts, recitals, art shows, graduations and birthday celebrations.
John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Heloise L. Osborn; two children, Bruce D. Osborn, his wife Pavla; and Jennifer A. Kurz, her husband Jeffrey; four grandsons, Radek and Maximilian Osborn, Dylan and Owen Kurz and a brother, James G. Osborn, his wife Shirley, their children, Geoffrey Osborn, his wife Brenna and their children Quinn, Riley, Grayson; and Peter Osborn, as well as several cousins and their families.
His life was a blessing, and he will be missed beyond measure.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 13, 11 am, Concord Presbyterian Church, 1800 Fairfax Blvd, Wilmington, DE with a reception to follow in Fellowship Hall. Burial: Private.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to American Heart Association, 131 Continental Dr., Suite 407, Newark, DE 19713: Delaware | American Heart Association