Michael Dennis Oscar

Michael Dennis Oscar, age 72 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 16, 2025.

Born as the youngest of four children to John and Stella Oscar, Mike was raised in Norwalk and Stamford, Connecticut. From a young age, he enjoyed photography and the outdoors, interests that would remain with him throughout his life. After high school, Michael continued his education at Newark College of Engineering (now known as NJIT), where he studied engineering. During his studies, he met a beautiful young woman named Joyce McPartland, who was studying at nearby Rutgers University.

Michael fell head over heels for Joyce, expressing his love and admiration with flowers that he would place on her car or on her lab seat at university. The two fell deeply in love, and shortly after graduating, they exchanged vows on May 2, 1976. After a honeymoon in Hawaii, the newlyweds moved into an apartment in Elizabeth before purchasing their home together in Packanack Lake, Wayne, where they’ve lived ever since. Their family grew with the birth of their son Craig in 1981 and their daughter Karen in 1983.

Michael and Joyce shared a passion for show dogs for many years, raising beautiful Shelties and Min Pins. They competed with their beloved animals across the United States, traveling extensively as a family. Their adventures took them to nearly every state, visiting unique destinations such as Busch Gardens, Disney World, New Orleans, the Grand Canyon, and countless other locations during their road trips.

One particularly memorable journey to the Delaware River included a canoeing adventure that became a family legend. When their group took a wrong turn through the rapids, Mike and Joyce's canoe flipped, sending everything to the bottom of the river. Though Mike could not swim, Joyce managed to dive down and pull him to safety under their overturned canoe. After flipping the canoe with help from their group, they discovered that a single rock had somehow remained in the canoe throughout the entire ordeal. That rock became a centerpiece on their fireplace mantle, serving as a reminder of the trial they overcame together.

Mike was a determined man with tremendous grit and a true family man who could help fix anything. He loved to cook and experiment with new recipes for his family's enjoyment. His passion for camping complemented their frequent road trips, creating countless memories with Joyce as they explored the country together.

Michael will be remembered for his loving devotion to his family, his adventurous spirit, and his generous heart that touched all who knew him.

Michael is survived by his wife Joyce Oscar; his brother Richard Oscar; his two children: Craig Oscar and Karen Garrett; and his three grandchildren: Wyatt Oscar and Skyla and James Garrett.

Michael is Predeceased by his parents: John and Stella Oscar and his brother Ken and sister Marcia.