Noe "Ozzie" Oswald Vaca

Noe Oswaldo "Ozzie" Vaca, 78, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Ramon Vaca Porras and Maria del Carmen Acosta. Ozzie was born in Ambato, Ecuador and graduated from Bolivar High School. He continued his education at Eloy Alfaro Military School. Following his education, he married Edith Emma Heirholzer who has since passed away. Ozzie started his career in teaching as an elementary school teacher at Gonzalez Suarez. He immigrated to New York in 1969 and participated in theater events as an actor and poetry teller. Ozzie relocated to Columbia, South Carolina where he worked with several businesses like Magic Market, Seven Eleven and the Pantry convenience stores. Ozzie was also a part time leader at Capitol Chevrolet. During his lifetime, he was able to accomplish his greatest desire, to translate the Ecuadorian novel "Cumanda" by Juan Leon Mera from Spanish to English. He was honored at a ceremony to recognize his momentous achievement in his hometown of Ambato, Ecuador at la Casa de la Cultura Ambato. His greatest accomplishments were being a loving husband to Edith, a wonderful grandfather to Caitlyn and Olivia Vaca, and a loving dog dad to his recently departed dog Paco. Ozzie is survived by his siblings, Edison W. Vaca, Luis W. Vaca, Fanny Villagomez, Gabriel R. Vaca; and a nephew, Dick Jerry Vaca (Zuleyka). He also leaves behind his nephew, Luis Vaca, as well as many other loving nieces, nephews and family members. Ozzie was preceded in death by his siblings, Berta P. Vaca, Clara A. Vaca and Hector M. Vaca. The family would like to give a special thanks to his neighbor, Cindy Kirby for helping him during his time of need.