Unexpectedly, Oscar Sidney Birch passed away on October 25, 2022, while at home in the Bronx, New York. He entered this life on November 2, 1947, the eldest child born to Eva Birch, in the South Bronx. He grew up surrounded by his loving Caribbean family, including his mother, Nana, aunts, uncles, nine siblings and some first cousins. He was taught a deep sense of love for family and Birch pride. Though there were painful challenges in Oscar's childhood, he grew to be an intelligent, creative and fun-loving man. He loved to read and learn. Playing chess, Scrabble and doing crossword puzzles were also enjoyable pastimes for him. In addition, he fancied himself a photographer, always snapping photos of loved ones. Oscar had an eclectic taste in music...embracing many genres, but with a special love for Reggae and Funk music.

Oscar Sidney was educated in the South Bronx, graduated high school and completed some college.

Oscar became a father as a teenager and later married young. After the loss of an infant son born from that union, the marriage was annulled. Oscar was married three more times, throughout his lifetime. He and his second wife, Joyce, welcomed a daughter, Cindy Malika. Together, with his third wife, Sheila, Oscar created two more beloved children, Ossheney and Oscar Sidney, Jr. In his later life, Oscar was overjoyed to father two more children with Mattie Snipes, thoughtfully named Positive Amy and Sidney Isaiah. Many years later, Oscar reunited with Lillie, an old flame and mother of his daughter, Tiffany. In total, God used Oscar Sidney to help birth 15, unique, talented, loving and beautiful souls into this world...and Oscar was happy for and proud of all his children.

In 1971, Oscar Sidney was drafted to fight in the Vietnam War. He chose to join the United States Air Force. After the war ended, Oscar returned home, honorably discharged.

After his military service, Oscar became a Corrections Officer at Rahway State Prison in New Jersey. An unfortunate incident with an inmate almost took his life and left him on disability. Unable to return to his job at the prison, Oscar turned his pursuits to a career in music, managing and guiding the careers of some local bands in New Jersey. Some years later, Oscar also ran a livery service in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Oscar's adult life was unstable and perilous, at times. Addiction and unhealed childhood trauma caused rifts in his relationships in various ways. Over the years, his great potential was stunted. However, those who spent any time with him in his latter years, could still catch glimpses of his God-given gifts, especially spiritual, during conversations or quiet observation. He definitely passed on his mathematical abilities, entrepreneurial spirit, sharp sense of humor, poetic and other creative talents to his tribe of children. His strong Birch genes are undeniable in the faces of all his children.

Oscar Sidney Birch leaves to mourn his passing, while celebrating the goodness in his life, some of his 15 children. He was predeceased by his mother, Eva Birch and his sisters, Amy and Julia. He is survived by brothers Robert, Joseph and Mickey, as well as sisters Sharon, Diane, Doreen and Mae Mae. His surviving children include Allison, Tiffany, Monique, Cindy, Catrina, Ian, Janet, Ossheney, Oscar Jr., Positive and Sidney. He also leaves at least 14 grandchildren and at least five great- grandchildren.

"Father, your life was not in vain, because you are now more present than ever in the blood of our veins. Rise and shine through US, your family, Birch tree." Positive

This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Oscar Sidney Birch. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.