Bob passed away on Thursday afternoon, September 1, 2016, at the Whidden Memorial Hospital in Everett. He was 78 years of age. Born and raised in Chelsea, he is the son of the late Chester G. and Carolyn (Crock) Ostergard. Bob attended Chelsea Public Schools and enlisted in the US Army in 1958, when he was just 18 years old. As a 20 year Veteran of the Army, Bob retired as a Master Sergeant on May 31, 1976. As a Master Sergeant, Bob was the principal platoon sergeant at the battalion level, and often higher. He displayed leadership responsibilities to the men and woman of the platoon with great professionalism. He oversaw supply and logistics on the DMZ in Korea, the Berlin crisis, during his tour of duty in the Vietnam War. For several years, Bob ran the company while stationed at Ft. Richardson, Alaska. During his military career, Bob received several medals and commendations, which include, the Vietnam service medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Joint Service Commendation Medal (twice), and the Good Conduct Medal. Bob's service and dedication to this country displays his courage and patriotism to our great nation.

Upon retiring from the US Army, Bob became the warehouse supervisor at the New England Produce Center in Chelsea. He worked for various produce companies during his career before retiring in 1996. Bob will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Bob is the beloved husband of Jean (Dunn) Ostergard of Revere. Together they have shared 54 years of marriage. He is the devoted father of Joan Ostergard of Revere, Robert L. Ostergard, Jr. of Reno, Nevada and the late Mary Jean Ostergard. Dear brother of Chester Ostergard of Florida, Barbara Breault of Boston and the late Ronald "Duke" Ostergard, Deborah Bednarek, Joan Ostergard, Helen "Chickie" Thomas, Anne Noseworthy, and Patricia Harkins. Cherished grandfather of Cheyenne and Michael Ostergard of Revere and the late Candice Ostergard. Also lovingly survived by numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved cat, Sir Howie.

The Ostergard family wants to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, surgical team, nurses, and ICU staff of the Whidden Memorial Hospital who were with Bob during his extended illness. Their empathy, support, professionalism, and knowledge made Bobs final days easier for him and his family.

The Ostergard family requests in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Political Science Graduate Research Support Endowment at the University of Nevada, Reno. Checks should be made to the University of Nevada, Reno Foundation with "Political Science Graduate Research, #212146" in the memo line, and mailed to UNR Foundation, Mail Stop 162, Reno, NV 89557.