David H. Osmolski passed away on January 3, 2021, at 77, from complications of COVID-19.
If you’re a regular reader of The Ensign magazine’s Shipshape department, you know that Dave Osmolksi has been writing the lead article in this space since 2007. Over the last 14 years, Dave shared his do-it-yourself take on boating projects that ranged from building a removable flagstaff to fixing wiring woes and much more.
Dave was born in Hackensack, New Jersey. When he was 8, the family moved to Connecticut, where Dave developed his love of the water while boating and fishing with his father on a local river.
The family later moved to Nasson, Maine, where Dave attended high school and met his future wife, Susan. After high school, he attended Quinnipiac University, and studied chemistry.
After marrying in 1964, the couple moved to New York state, and Dave began working in the metal plating industry. Job changes eventually brought the family to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1969. In 1989, he and his son Todd started Charlotte Plating Inc.
Dave joined the Charlotte Power Squadron in 1996 and quickly became involved. He served on the bridge starting in 2001 and was commander from 2003 to 2004. Passionate about education, Dave served as squadron educational officer from 2010 to 2017 and as District 27 educational officer from 2016 to 2018. He also served in many other roles at the squadron, district and national levels. He had 24 merit marks.
Active in squadron social life, Dave spent many hours at the Charlotte Squadron’s facility on Lake Wylie, holding the unofficial title of Assistant Apprentice Barbecue Cook.
When they could get away from Charlotte Plating, Dave and Susan enjoyed spending time at their “Homemade Tropical Paradise” on Pine Island, Florida. Dave fished and kept busy with home and boat projects, and Susan spent time shelling and enjoying the beach.
Dave is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan, his son Todd, two grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.
