Walter F. Oster M.D.

Easton, MD: Walter F. Oster, 83 of Cumberland, MD passed away peacefully on July 10, 2018 at Integrace Bayleigh Chase, Easton, MD surrounded by a family who loved and adored him. Bucky, as he was affectionately known by family and friends, was born on July 18, 1934 in Cumberland, MD, the eldest child of Alfred and Dorothy (Karns) Oster. Walter was raised and lived in Baltimore, MD. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in 1956 followed by his medical degree at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1961, both with honors. He was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. After graduation, Dr. Oster was Assistant Chief and then Chief of the Pathology Department at the U.S. Public Health Service and had academic appointments at the University of Maryland. Subsequently, Dr. Oster served as Chief Pathologist and Director of Laboratory Services at Memorial Hospital (now Western Maryland Regional Medical Center) in Cumberland, MD for over 25 years. During his career, he served many surrounding community hospitals as Consultant Pathologist. He also served in the 29th Division of the Maryland National Guard. Dr. Oster was a member of numerous medical societies and was a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. He served on the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society where he was Chairman of the Professional Education Committee, on the Blood Services Committee of the American Red Cross Allegany Chapter, and on the Medical Laboratory Technology Advisory Committee at Allegany Community College. He served as President of the Allegany County Medical Society, President of the Memorial Hospital Medical Staff and as Assistant Director of Memorial Hospital. Bucky met Florence, the love of his life, at a community youth dance in Baltimore and they married in 1957. He and Floss moved to Cumberland in 1970 where they raised their family and lived most of their lives. Bucky will be remembered as an intensely private, yet adventurous man with quiet strength and wit, analytical and forward thinking, curiosity, humility and generosity. He loved his family, his job and working with his employees, a good game of bridge with friends, a good game of chess with his kids, traveling the world with Florence, museums, wood-working and reading. There was always a small library under his side of the bed. Preceded in death by his parents, Walter is survived by his wife of 61 years, Florence and three children, Patrick of Staunton, VA; Jody of Granview Heights, OH; and Kimberly (and husband Ted Kukorowski) of Easton, MD; his sister Linda Wisch (and husband Robert) of Pasadena, MD; and his grand-daughter Alexandra Kukorowski of Philadelphia, PA. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Friends and family who wish to honor Bucky’s memory may send memorial donations to a charity of their choice.

Walter F. Oster M.D.

July 18, 1934 - July 10, 2018