Date of death: 4/9/2026
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1954
Father Robert Edward Osborne, Father “Oz”, “Ozzie”, [brother] Bob, Uncle Bob, Great Uncle Bob, Great Great Uncle Bob, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Louisville died on April 9, 2026 at Nazareth Home, Highlands. Born on March 20, 1928 he recently celebrated his 98th birthday and served his community as a priest for more than 70 years.
Father Oz, a native of Louisville, Ky., attended St. Francis of Assisi for elementary and middle school, followed by high school, college and major seminary at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology prior to his ordination to the priesthood on May 8, 1954 by Archbishop John A Floersh. He completed graduate studies achieving a Master of Teaching of Science at Catholic University in Washington, DC.
In addition to teaching at Trinity High School, in his early ministry, Father Oz served as an associate pastor of the old St. Benedict Church, St. Barnabas Church, Cathedral of the Assumption, St. Martha Church and Our Lady of Lourdes. He served as pastor of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Lawrence Church, and Our Lady of Lourdes. After retiring in 1998, he assisted as a senior associate at St. Patrick’s.
He also served on the National Federation of Priests’ Council and was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus.
Father Oz was pre-deceased by his parents and brothers, Charles Joseph (died in infancy), Albert Joseph (AJ) and William Henry (Bill), and is survived by his sister Mary Elizabeth (Libby), and nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and a great great niece and nephews.