Obituary: Oswald Inglese, Sr., 88: Former Ridgefield Planning Director

Information and Photo Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Oswald Inglese, Sr of Ridgefield, the town’s planning director for a third of a century, passed away on April 22, 2024. He was 88 years old.

Oswald, known by friends and loved ones as Ozzie, Senior and Pop-Pop, was born to Maria Josefina Stringa Inglese and Juan Bautista Inglese, Sr on Sept. 4, 1935 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Ozzie received degrees with honors in fine arts and in architecture from universities in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After graduating, Ozzie designed numerous communities and buildings throughout Central and South America, Asia, and Africa, and from 1963 to 1967 became a planner and designer for the United States Agency for International Development.

Ozzie served as Ridgefield’s director of Planning and Zoning from 1972 to 2003, one of the longest-serving administrators of any town agency in the 20th Century. In 1998, he was named Connecticut Planner of the Year. Additionally, he was an associate professor for the University of Connecticut.

Ozzie belonged to the Fraternity of Freemasonry and served in the US Army. He was an accomplished athlete and enjoyed el tiro con arco (archery) and el tiro olímpico (olympic shooting). He was a talented architect who loved grilling the perfect asado and taking mate in the mid-afternoon. Growing up in a family of artistic painters, Ozzie was a prolific painter himself. Ozzie had a wonderful sense of humor, a strong work ethic, a love for food, fine wine and cheese, fishing, camping, operas and classical music, and a passion for spending time at home with his loving family.

Ozzie is survived by his wife of over 66 years Marie (Otty) Inglese and two children, Oswald Inglese, Jr and his wife Martha Lemmon Inglese, and Daniela Inglese Silvestri and her husband Stephen Silvestri. He is also survived by his granddaughters Jemma and Samantha Silvestri. Ozzie was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Margarita, Hugo, Antonio and Juan Bautista Inglese, Jr.

In accordance with Ozzie’s wishes, a private service will be held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Jesse Lee Methodist Church in Ridgefield in Ozzie’s name.