Herb Oberlander Obituary

OBERLANDER,
HERBERT, 76
Herb Oberlander passed away peacefully at home in Gainesville, FL on April 13, 2016. Born in Manchester, New Hampshire, he received his Bachelor's of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi. He earned his Ph.D. in biology from Case Western Reserve University. After teaching at Brandeis University, Herb moved to Gainesville in 1971 to join the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service. During his time with the USDA, he served as both laboratory director and center director and was recognized as Outstanding Scientist of the Year. Herb also authored more than 100 research publications on insect endocrinology and tissue culture and served on the governing board of the Entomological Society of America.
Upon retirement from the USDA, he chose to become a massage therapist with a special interest in helping the elderly, and shared his newfound skills at Haven Hospice, Oak Hammock, and Al'z Place. Herb was a member of Congregation B'nai Israel, where he served as President for multiple terms.
Herb was known for his gentle nature, sense of humor, wit, compassion, commitment to social justice, wide-ranging intellectual and artistic interests, and long-standing devotion to the Boston Red Sox. Herb's courage in meeting the medical challenges of recent years was inspirational to all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara; his sisters, Bea Curtis and Roz Slater (Phil); his son, Jonathan (Krista); his daughter, Beth (Jeff); his granddaughter, Dalia, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 15, 2016 at 10:00 am in the sanctuary of Congregation B'nai Israel, 3830 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, Florida. Interment will follow at B'nai Israel Cemetery on Waldo and University. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Congregation B'nai Israel, 3830 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32605, or Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, PO Box 5086, Gainesville, FL 32627. Please visit Herb's memorial page at
www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS DOWNTOWN
(352) 376-7556

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Published by Gainesville Sun from Apr. 15 to Apr. 16, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Herb Oberlander

11 Entries

Gerald Bergtrom , 7355 N. Redwood Ct.

April 9, 2025

I speak of Herb often in one context or another. I remember him always. My condolences always.

Gerald Bergtrom

April 9, 2019

Dear Barbara, Jonathan and Beth,
The last three years have been frequently punctuated by memories of Herb's kindnesses and influence on my life and family. I would like you to know that I honored that influence in the dedication of an 'open' online cell biology textbook I wrote few years ago. Now as I work on the next edition, I am constantly reminded of Herb's impact on my life, and by extension, on many thousands of students around the world who have downloaded the book. I will keep you in my thoughts.

Gerry Bergtrom

April 20, 2016

Dear Barbara, Jonathan and Beth,
It was Herb (Dr. Oberlander to me for many years) that confirmed my calling to a career in biology education and research, for which I will be forever grateful. As my mentor and advisor I have cherished and often recalled his gentle kindness and wisdom. My thoughts are with you. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

Krishna & Jyoti Kumaran

April 18, 2016

Barbara, We lost a good friend. Only the memories of good times we had together remain. We cherish these memories.

Krishna & Jyoti Kumaran

April 18, 2016

Barbara, we lost a good friend, only memories of happy times that we had together remain and we will cherish them. Herb has been our friend from the day we came to Cleveland, and we wil miss him.

Dwight Lynn

April 17, 2016

Barbara, Jonathan, and Beth,
Your husband and father was very special to me. I owe Herb a lot. I transistioned from being a student to a scientist under his mentorship while I was a postdoc in Gainesville. I was proud to call him my friend. Even though geography meant I saw little of him over the recent past, I will always remember him as a special person.
You have my sincere condolences.

eric DIAMOND

April 16, 2016

A great loving man, a great Jew, and a great human being.

Conchita Cavalieros

April 15, 2016

Dear Barbara, John, Beth, and family. Receive our sincere condolences,
The Cavalieros family

Patsy Vick

April 15, 2016

Herb will long be remembered for his kindness, sincerity and dedication to his career as well as to his beloved family.

Mitch Mallard

April 15, 2016

Words are never adequate in moments like these. I will say though, that my heart goes out to you, and I will always remember the privileged to have in known Herb.

Patrick Greany

April 15, 2016

Herb was a friend, a mentor, and a great inspiration to me, along with many, many others in the Gainesville community. He was a kind man who always thought of others' needs ahead of his own. He personified the concept that "It's nice to be important, but important to be nice!". He will be greatly missed!

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