Professor Oberlander Passes

GEORGE J. OBERLANDER 1921 - 2008 George James Oberlander, 87, formerly of Amherst, MA, died Sunday, July 6, at his home in Burlington, VT. George was born April 8, 1921 in Boston, MA, the only son of Dr. George and Jennie (Tyrrell) Oberlander. He grew up in Somerville, MA and enjoyed summers by the ocean in Hull. George began college at Tufts University in 1939, but his education was interrupted by WWII, where he served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1942-1946 as an aircraft mechanic. He married his sweetheart Jennie on December 2, 1944 while he was home on leave. After the war he went back to his college studies and graduated from Tufts in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He also later achieved his Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts in 1955. After completing college, he worked briefly at Stone and Webster Engineering in Boston, then on to a long, distinguished career as a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. He served as Director of Laboratories at UMass from 1970 to 1979 and also taught chemistry for nursing students in the late 50’s and early 60's. Professor Oberlander retired in 1985 after 38 years of teaching and guiding students. Professional memberships included American Chemical Society Emeritus, American Association of University Professors and the N.E. Association of Chemistry Teachers. George and Jennie were active members of St Brigid’s Parish in Amherst, MA, where he served as a lector for 30 years, and as President of the Holy Name Society in the 1960's. He was a volunteer for the Boy Scouts and volunteered his extensive Amherst knowledge in the town information booth after he retired. Both he and his late wife, Jennie, loved to travel and took many cruises and bus tours throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. They also loved to visit their children and grandchildren. He was the consummate Red Sox fan, often recalling going to games at Braves field and following each and every game with zeal. Of course, he was delighted to finally see their recent World Series victories. Cape Cod was always a passion for George and the Oberlander family enjoyed many wonderful vacations there. George was predeceased by his wife, Jennie in 2007. He is survived by his five children and spouses: George J. Oberlander and his wife Veronique of Shelburne, VT; Ann Perkins and her husband John of New Haven VT; James Oberlander and wife Susan of Santa Fe, NM; Jean Oberlander Rhuda and husband Richard of Nashua NH, and Jane Fortin and husband Richard of Madison, NH. He also has eight surviving grandchildren. He will be missed by all.

A memorial mass will be held Saturday, July 26, 10:00 AM at St. Brigid’s Church in Amherst. Burial will follow in St. Brigid’s Cemetery. Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst, is entrusted with arrangements. Obituary and guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

(July 2007)