An East Longmeadow man, 21, died Sunday (July 21, 1974) at Springfield Hospital Medical Center from a head wound he apparently suffered during target practice with a .44 Magnum revolver at a friend's home in Belchertwon on Saturday.  Police Chief Ernest Gay identified the victim as Paul F. Oswald, III of 15 Orpheum Avenue.  The shooting accurred about 3 PM.  The chief reported that he found Oswald sitting on the steps at Peter Zimmerman's home on Daniel Shays Highway with the top of his head split open.  The victim was first taken to Mary Lane Hospital in Ware, then later transferred to the Springfield hospital.  Chief Gay, who is investigating the incident, said the shooting apparently was accidental, occurring when Oswald lost his balance on the steps.

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Paul leaves his parents, Paul F. Oswald, Jr. and Barbara (O'Neil) Oswald, three sisters, Joan and Deborah at home, and Patricia Jewett of Springfield.  The funeral will be held Wednesday at 9 AM from the East Longmeadow Funeral Home, 120 Shaker Road with a liturgy of Christian burial in St. Michael's Church of East Longmeadow at 10 AM.  Burial will be in St. Michael's Cemetery.  Visiting hours are Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9.

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In high school, Paul was a member of the junior varsity football team and the swim team.