William Jay Osborne

William Jay Osborne, 40, cherished husband, father, son and brother, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at his home in Harrisburg following a lengthy battle with glioblastoma.  His beloved family on earth held his hand as he passed from this life, and his heavenly family welcomed him to Eternal Glory with open arms.

Born June 21, 1983 in Harrisburg, he was the son of Barbara M. Snyder Regalia and Daniel W. Osborne, and attended Central Dauphin High School.

On June 22, 2019, the day after both of their birthdays, William married the former Tammy Wagner, whom he had known for 20 years.  Together, they raised three boys and a couple cats, Sid and Lucky (and their dog, Luna, who went over the rainbow bridge), and, although their time together was limited, the happy memories will forever stay in all of their hearts.

Prior to his illness, William worked for Home Depot as a millworker in the windows and doors area.   In his spare time, he loved fishing and spending time outdoors, just being at peace with nature.  He was an animal lover, and when he was a child, his mother never knew what kind of animal he would be bringing home next.  Stubborn, but loving and polite, he could turn any stranger into a friend.  William loved all genres of music, especially country, and was a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

From the time he was 5 years old, William wanted to be a Firefighter.  Joining the Dauphin-Middle Paxton Fire Company as a Junior Firefighter, he continued fulfilling his dream with Londonderry Fire Company, Gap Fire Company, and ultimately receiving a life membership with Swatara Township Fire and Rescue Services. After his diagnosis, he was unable to continue fighting fires, but stayed on with the Fire Police for as long as he could.

William’s deep faith in his Lord gave him the strength to fight his battle with cancer with the same courage and determination that he used fighting fires.  When it was time, he was more than ready to come face-to-face with Jesus and be reunited with many beloved family members.

Surviving is his wife:  Tammy M. Osborne; 3 sons:  William Anthony Osborne, James Jay Harry Osborne, and Adam Michael Newbegin; his mother and step-father:  Barbara M. and Danny J. Regalia, Aiken, SC; his father and step-mother:  Daniel W. and Barbara J. Osborne, Harrisburg; 2 brothers:  Richard E. Young (and his wife, Tami), Bennett, CO and Charles R. Young, Lykens, PA; many other family members, friends, and his fire company family.

A Funeral Service will be held 4:00 pm Sunday, July 16, 2023 at Kimmel Funeral Home, 2001 Market Street, Harrisburg, with Pastor W. Brandon Starnes, officiating.  There will be viewing on Sunday from 2:30 pm until the time of services.

Contributions in William’s memory may be made to the Swatara Township Fire and Rescue Services, 599 Eisenhower Blvd., Harrisburg, PA, 17111.

William’s family would like to take this moment to thank all of those who stood by them through his illness, helping along the way to ease their burden.  It has not gone unnoticed.