August 3, 1941-October 18, 2025
We said goodbye to a great man, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle and a true friend.
Jack was born on August 3, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, to H. Eugene and Helen Ostmark. He grew up in Queens Village where he met his future wife, Carol Taylor, at the age of 14. They married in 1961 at the age of 20 when he was in the Army. He went on to join the New York State Police in 1962. They had 2 daughters, Janet and Nancy. In 1966 they built their lifelong home in New Paltz, NY. He retired as an Investigator in 1982 and went on to open a Private Investigation business until his full retirement in 2007.
He was a man of many talents, a “Jack” of all trades. He loved fishing, boating of any kind, especially canoeing, camping, traveling, woodworking, reading, participating often in the repair cafe, cross country skiing, bike repairs, oil painting ,telling jokes and many many other things. He faithfully attended his grandchildren’s and his great grandchildren’s sporting events and even was a track official for his granddaughters’ team. He loved to sing and was the lead singer for the Footlighters Barbershop quartet for about 50 years.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carol, daughter Nancy Ostmark Nelson, grandchildren Katie Nelson Bastien(Kyle), Kristen Nelson, Sarah Horton Chamblin, Shannon Horton King (Zach) and Tyler Horton; his great grandchildren Mason, Maxwell, Korrie, Decker, Wyatt, Reya, Dameon and brother-in-law, Neil Taylor. He also had several nieces and nephews that loved him including his niece Susan Michel who was of great help and support. He was unfortunately predeceased by his daughter Janet Ostmark Horton in 2019, his siblings, Gene Ostmark and Helen Moyer, and a nephew, Russell.
A memorial service will be at Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home in New Paltz on November 8th, visitation 10 am to 11am with service to follow.
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