He was known as the self-proclaimed “Rocket Hobo,” and the father of the Space Coast’s 3-2-1 area code.
What You Need To Know
- Robert Osband was known as the "Rocket Hobo"
- He campaigned the government to make the 321 area code designate the Space Coast
- He was honored Thursday, 3/21
- RELATED: Originator of the 321 area code Ozzie Osband dies
He was honored on 3/21.
Robert "Ozzie" Osband passed away in August 2023 at the age of 72.
He was known to entertain and inform crowds gathering to watch launches at Space View Park.
But his biggest feat was in 1999 single-handedly campaigning the government to bring the 3-2-1 area code to a place made by space.
On Thursday, friends from far and wide came to Space View Park for a parade, and to see Ozzie’s lawn chair and famous green shirt.
His brother Steve traveled from New York and said Ozzie’s legacy lives on.
“It means that people get to continue to share the passion that he had for the space program," Steve said. "He grew up with the space program, we as little kids watching black and white television and Walter Cronkite and that excitement of man going to space.”
The event was organized by the National Space Society, the American Space Museum in Titusville and the Titusville Chamber of Commerce.
Organizers hope to create an annual "3-2-1" day.
Ozzie was an Army veteran and is buried at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.