Raymond G. Oberst

Born in Cheektowaga, New York, he was the son of Jacob and Anna (Breissinger) Oberst.

He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biology from the University of Buffalo, NY after serving in WWII.

He was a Staff Sargent in the Army Air Corp, in the 969th Air Squadron. He served in Sicily Anzio Beach Head, North Africa.

While serving in Anzio he was able to use his electrical skills to rewire the hospital there, while under fire. He received several medals for his heroic actions.

In 1945 he was discharged honorably.

He was an Eagle Scout and also a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America, Troup 94.

He worked for the NY State Conservation Department as a marsh development researcher. He then went on to work for the US Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. He also worked as a wildlife biologist for the US Fish and Wildlife service for 25 years before his retirement.

He was married to his loving wife June for 57 years until her death in 2007.

He retired and moved to NH in 1998. During his retirement he provided Nature walks for neighboring schools at Elm Brook Park in Hopkinton.

He was a member and Chaplin for the VFW Post #11490, in Contoocook. He was also a spiritual counselor for the Veterans Administration and visited the veterans at hospitals and the Veterans Home in Tilton. He was a very active member of his church, Centerpoint Church in Concord.

Survivors include his daughter Lori Tewhey and her husband Thomas of Pembroke; his granddaughter Sheri Tewhey and her fiancé Jon Corcoran of Gray, Maine; his brother Alvin J. Oberst of Williamsville, NY; his nephew Timothy Oberst and his wife Liang of Atlanta, GA; and grandnieces Hana and Grace.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, Sept 30, 2013 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm at the Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N. Main Street, Concord.

A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 10:30am at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at the NH State Veterans Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Centerpoint Church, 20 N. State Street, Concord, NH 03301.