It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of Dr. Thomas Osler, a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics, on March 26, 2023.
Tom received his Ph.D. from the Courant Institute at New York University in 1970 and joined Rowan in 1972 as Assistant Professor. He became Full Professor in 1981. He is the author of 151 mathematical papers. He co-authored with 33 Rowan undergraduate and graduate students and nine Rowan faculty members. He delivered over 38 research presentations at regional and national conferences and seminars. He was a co-founder of the Rowan Math-Physics Seminar that later became the Mathematics Colloquium, where he delivered talks accessible to undergraduate students once a semester.
Over his 50 years of service at Rowan, Tom was not only an outstanding mathematics lecturer but also a highly regarded colleague who served on many department committees. As a chair of the Tenure and Recontracting and Promotion committees for many years, he became a mentor to many junior faculty in the department. Tom also received many honors, including the Gary Hunter Excellence in Mentoring Award, the Editorial Excellence Award from Mathematics and Computer Education Journal, and the Distinguished Teaching Award from the New Jersey Section of the Mathematical Association of America. In 2010, a mathematics conference was held at Rowan in honor of his 70th birthday.
In addition to his love of teaching mathematics for the past 55 years, Tom also had a passion for long distance running, where he competed for 62 consecutive years. Included in his over 2,600 races are wins in three national championships at distances from 25 kilometers to 50 miles. He also published several books on running.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Thursday, March 30 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Farnelli Funeral Home, 504 N. Main Street, Williamstown, where a service will follow at 7:00 PM.
Please join us in sending our condolences and deepest sympathies.
View The Obituary