Jay T. Osler

Dedham - Jay Osler, a master craftsman and cherished member of our community, passed away unexpectedly on August 8, 2024, at the age of 81. Born to Dr. and Mrs. Jay K. Osler on February 23, 1943, in Hazleton, PA (though a true Mainer at heart.) Jay's life was a testament to dedication, love, perseverance and the pursuit of knowledge.
Jay was a rebel. He was fond of saying he was thrown out of every school he attended. He settled down at Fryeburg Academy and made lifelong friends, he also won the state high jump championship with a new state record! Jay went to M.M.A. for a short stint and then enlisted in the Army. It was in boot camp in Pennsylvania that Jay learned to play guitar.
Jay was a medic in Vietnam. He always said there were no unwounded soldiers. After the Army, Jay went to the University of Maine as an education major. Ornithology was his favorite class, and it became a lifelong pleasure. When teaching he did not like to be called Mr. Osler, it was just Jay!
After teaching he spent some time lobstering and then returned to E.M.M.C. where he started the respiratory department with friend, Ann Dyer. Not long after, Jay got married and tragically lost his first wife, Christine, less than a year later. Soon after, he went into commercial fishing before finally settling on a career in construction. He used to say he was a "jack of all trades, a master of none." However, he was a master of so many.
His life changed when he met Joan through her sister, Janet. Jay's family was the cornerstone of his life. He was a devoted husband to Joan for 44 years, a loving father to Kate Osler and Brad Inforati, and a proud grandfather to Paige, Colby, Lexie and Cory. As well as having a welcome and open heart for all those he knew, he was forever offering up comfort, support, and words of hope.
He enjoyed exchanging movie recommendations or the latest news of the Celtics with his sister, Kate, who lived close by and looked forward to her carrot cake on his birthday and cookies throughout the year (walnuts please)! He cherished visits from his brother, Boyd, every fall where they would go deer hunting and fill the freezers for the winters. He was lucky to see his late sister, Mary Jay, at the lake a few years back and kept in touch with his brother, George, and sister, Jayne. After the death of brother-in-law, Kevin, Jay made sure Janet knew she was always welcome, including her in all gatherings and supporting her in any way he could.
A skilled contractor, Jay's work can be seen in countless homes and buildings, each a testament to his craftsmanship and attention to detail. He took immense pride in his work, never cutting corners or sacrificing integrity or quality.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jay was a man of many passions. He had a thirst for knowledge regarding all things history, nature, art and beyond. Born with a philosophical mind, he loved to read and contemplate the mysterious nature of the universe, often initiating conversations that sparked curiosity and learning in others. His flower gardens were legendary, he passed this love on to his daughter, Kate, and this year to his granddaughter, Paige. He was a gifted chef, orchestrating the most incredible feasts on special occasions, most famous for his lobster feeds, done with close friend, Steve Coffin, he also loved grilling steak, racks of lamb or a roast at Christmas time. He was a musician who always said "music is the gateway to the soul," and a talented artist, who gave most of his works as gifts to friends and family. He had a playful and mischievous spirit and always remained young at heart.
Jay was happiest when he was doing for others, as was the case on the day he passed. At the top of his to-do list he wrote "Find a peaceful heart and happiness. Enlightenment." Jay's friends and family will remember him as a one of a kind, thoughtful, and compassionate individual who brought levity, warmth and wisdom to every interaction. Although he suffered many ailments in his old age you would never hear him complain, instead he would do his best to help where needed and send prayers to the less fortunate. His compassionate heart and resilient nature will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Jay had too many friends to count but dearest lifelong friends include, Arthur Zoidis and Steve Coffin (deceased), Conrad Karem and Family, Timmy Henderson, Deannie and Grace Stern, Jack Dunn and Vanessa, Ted and Robin Ames, Hammy Mclean, Richie Connor, Timmy Zoidis, Tommy Davis and George McLeod. He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Jay Clough; his first wife, Christine Morin; brother-in-law, Kevin Dalton; and parents-in-law, Weldon and Phyllis Bosworth. He is survived by Joan Osler, wife of 44 years; son, Brad Inforati and his wife, Linnea, of Dedham; daughters, Kate Osler of Portland, Patti Trollinger and husband, Henry, of South Carolina; also by brothers, Boyd Osler and wife, Karen, of Plymouth, MA, and George and his wife, Beth, of Canton, MA; sisters, Kate and husband, Michael, of Holden, and Jayne Sutton and husband, John of Baltimore, MD; brothers-in-law, Weldon and wife, Claudia, of Gilford, NH, and Richard Bosworth and wife, Jeannie, of Lewiston; sister-in-law, Janet Bosworth of Ellsworth; niece, Christine Mire Rose and husband, Don, of Salem, MA; grandchildren, Paige Inforati, Colby Miller, Lexie Miller, Cory Michaud, and Max and Jack Trollinger of SC; great-grandson, Noah Michaud; also, Marybeth Harmon; and special niece, Bella Kippen.
A memorial service to celebrate Jay's life and the indelible mark he left on our lives will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor, immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sea Change Yoga, 175 Lancaster St. #213, Portland, ME 04101, seachangeyoga.org, or Veterans Yoga Project, P.O. Box 6472, Alameda, CA 94501, veteransyogaproject.org. Both were causes close to Jay's heart. Please make sure to mention "in memory of Jay Osler." Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.