Obituary of Oscar N. Gaskins

Oscar Norman Gaskins, a lawyer and lifelong citizen of Philadelphia was born on April 27, 1930 to Oscar & Tomatra Gaskins. With his brother Deforrest Gaskins, and a huge clan of aunts and uncles, some around his age he spent his happy and challenging childhood between Washington D.C., Nokesville, VA and Philadelphia, PA. He joined the army after high school and served in the occupation forces in Germany. Upon his return he met and married Deloris E. Gaskins, who says he won her with his marvelous good humor, wit, intelligence, immense kindness, and drop-dead good looks! They married while they were juniors in college, she at Swarthmore and he at the University of Pennsylvania. Exhibiting the stamina, determination and hard work ethic that would be a hallmark of his life, he worked fulltime during those years, earning his way through school and helping with his wife’s college expenses. With his charm, wit and affability he formed “The Serious Drinkers’ Association.” A tongue in cheek name for an organization that joined the scattered isolated lonely black students from all the area colleges into a social group and made those college days such fun. He, of course, was the President. Four children were born of this first marriage, Vincent, Kimberly, Stacey and David. Later this marriage ended. He met and married Lauretta Tucker, who loved children and had a career as a school social worker. They were married for 38 years until her passing in 2019. Out of this marriage a beautiful daughter, Melanie, was added to the clan. There was great love and friendship among all of them. They lived and celebrated holidays, troubles, and triumphs together as a loving family. Oscar took great care of them all. Oscar graduated from the University of Pennsylvania law school. He was admitted to the Bar in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Through his legal career he partnered with and treasured his relationships with many great lawyers, Judge Harvey Schmidt, Judge Levan Gordon, State Sen. Hardy Williams, and Bill Simms, among others. Active in the struggle for human and civil rights, he became a supporter, law partner, friend and confidant of Cecil B. Moore, Esq and treasured that relationship also. Later when he established his own law firms, he generously and enthusiastically employed and mentored young black law school graduates giving them an opportunity to grow in the profession. A brilliant and respected criminal lawyer, Oscar was knowledgeable, sympathetic, eloquent and dedicated to the interest and needs of people of all kinds. He could always be found on the side of the underdog. He hated injustice and the unfairness of the treatment accorded poorer defendants in our Courts. He helped many without bothering to collect his fees. Oscar worked with the Legal Redress Committee of the NAACP in its efforts to desegregate the Philadelphia Public Schools and served as legal counsel for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He famously played a central role in seeking a peaceful resolution to the MOVE barricade during that notorious Philadelphia crises and was commended by the Philadelphia Bar Associations for his efforts. Many knew Oscar as a funny, gentle, exceptionally loyal and caring friend – the first thing he often said on any call was “What’s the Matter? What do you need? I’ll take care of it” He could make you laugh through any troubles with his incredible wit. He was a master carpenter, who could build a house from the first brick up and he was never happier than when he was down in his workshop covered with sawdust, giving birth to some masterpiece. He loved his family, his children, his grands, his friends, his tools, his fish tank, his fish, jellybeans, and chocolate covered cherries. He has to be so happy now that he again has the task he loved most while on this earth– looking out for and protecting his loved ones although now as their guardian angel. How we will miss you, ONG, Oscar, Dad, Uncle Chubby, and Pop Pop! Rest in Heavenly Peace! And thank you for the beautiful gift of your life and what it has meant to ours. Sincerest, abiding and eternal love and blessings to you, Vincent Gaskins, David and Robin Gaskins, Vaishnavi Kimberly Lewis, Stacey Gaskins, Melanie Gaskins & Marcus Williams, Luna Yashoda Lewis, Sunanda Gaskins, Anthony Gaskins, Tucker Gaskins, Morgan Williams, Shanti Deloris Gaskins, Claudia Gaskins, Lynette Clemons, Glenda Birdsong, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and an abundance of extended family and friends.