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Peter Benjamin Ober

Peter Ober Obituary

OBER Lt. Peter Benjamin Ober died July 16, 2003 in a helicopter crash near Sigonella NAS in Sicily. He was born February 24, 1976 in Charleston, SC and raised in Quantico, VA, Bremerton, WA, and Orange Park, FL. He graduated from Episcopal High School in Jacksonville, FL. He attended the Citadel in Charleston, SC and graduated in 1998 as a proud member of Charlie Company. He accepted a commission in the Navy and was trained as a Naval aviator. He was stationed in Pensacola, FL, Corpus Christi, TX, Milton FL, Norfolk, VA and Sigonella, Sicily. In Charleston he met Alicia, with whom he fell in love, married and together they have a beautiful daughter Madeline. They were the center of his life. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and faithful friend to so many people. He brought enthusiasm to everything that he did. His open and friendly manner combined with his easy sense of humor immediately put others at ease. He valued tradition and united his family. He had a strong relationship with God. He enjoyed motorcycle riding, racing and repair. Most of all, he loved to fly helicopters. A strong sense of duty to his country and his ability to work with others allowed him to thrive in the Navy. His sense of honor, integrity and honesty even in small things made him an inspiring leader and role model. He was recently promoted to LT and had advanced in his career to helicopter aircraft commander. He was recently honored to be assigned as division maintenance and repair. He is survived by his wife Alicia Lindsey Ober, originally from Charleston, SC, his daughter Madeline Jodelle Ober, his parents Vincent H. and Susan Ober from Jacksonville FL, sisters Marianne E. Ober and Erin A. Ober from Seattle WA, grandparents William E. and Margaret Davenport from Chesapeake VA and many loving relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents Vincent H. and Margaret C. Ober from Norfolk VA. Funeral services with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery August 22nd at 3:00 P.M. Memorial services will be held in Norfolk, Virginia at Larchmont Methodist Church August 23rd at 3:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made to either of two scholarship funds: A college fund has been established for the children of Cdr. Kevin Bianchi and Lt. Peter Ober (the other two sailors who died in the crash had no children). Donations will be split equally among the four children. To contribute, one may send a check to: College Bound Fund, c/o James Donovan, 527 Stuyvesant Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ 07071. The Peter Benjamin Ober Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established at the Citadel. Contributions may be sent c/o Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC 29409. Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union on Jul. 30, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Ober

Sponsored by family.

28 Entries

Matt Gomes

May 28, 2017

Thinking about Pete this weekend. I was on the Wrestling Team with him at The Citadel. He was the most intense person I ever met (and I was a Marine for 8 years so I met a lot of intense people).

I hope his family are doing well. You have been in my prayers since I heard the news.

RIP Pete.

Matt Gomes.

Mary Glenn Jernigan

February 27, 2004

I only recently found this guest book, and I apologize for my lateness. Pete was a great friend at EHS and I am deeply sorry for your loss. He was a great man, and I can only imagine how wonderful of a father he was. God Bless You All!

Love, Mary Glenn (Mullins) Jernigan

Marylee McGregor

September 7, 2003

Dear Susan and Vince, We didn't see a tangible guest book at the service in Arlington National Cemetary. I know you know Giles and I were there, but I want Madeline to know when she grows up.

We never met Pete, and didn't meet you until the memorial service. But for the last 2 years we have seen repeated examples of the excellent family he came from. A family so talented, friendly, outgoing, thoughtful of others that it is no wonder Pete had all those traits and many others. And how do we know that he did? From reading the wonderful remembrances of him.

You are in our hearts and thoughts.

Marylee and Giles

RJ Doyle

August 25, 2003

Dear Pete:

I was sad to hear of your passing and I apologize for not making it to your ceremony.

I just wanted to tell you that there are not to many people in this world that have their eyes open. Most people live thier lives in an unwanting, uninteresting fashion.

Most people don't want to push themselves to accomplish something wanted. Most people fear a challenge. In reality most never live or attempt to live the lives they want.

You've always chosen your own path and met the challenges that laid before you with excitement.

Pete, to tell you the truth, I would rather live your life a thousand times than live one long life that was never lived.

Thanks for inspiring me until my passing,

RJ

Scott Anderson

August 23, 2003

I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have had Pete as a friend and classmate. He was the most loyal, dedicated, and intense person I have known; yet he also possessed incredible kindness and thoughtfulness. He created an example that many of us emulate, but cannot possibly replicate. Pete’s presence will be sorely missed, but his spirit will undoubtedly live on in everyone who knew him.

God bless you Pete.

With love,

Scott Anderson

Chris Middleton

August 18, 2003

I will never forget Pete's, passion, pride, and dedication to all that he did. I am fortuante and thankful to have been friends with such a wonderful person. He was an insperation to all that knew him and will continue to be.

Tammy A. Wilson

August 11, 2003

Dearest Ober Family,

Our hearts are filled with the deepest of sadness. With an understanding that one parent would pray never should any other parent have to know. Please feel and know that our love and prayers are with you with each sunrise and sunset. Warm understanding hugs to each of you. Our love and deepest sympathy, Bruce and Roberta Wilson and Children

Tony Richards

August 9, 2003

Pete was very special person. I will remember him for his spirit and drive that he showed in everything that he involved with. He made others better and compete at a higher standard merely with his presence. He lived life like there was no tomorrow. His friendship will be truly missed.

Collins Cooper

August 6, 2003

Dear Ober Family,

I am so sorry and please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

I am thankful, and fortunate, that Pete was my teammate, classmate, and most importantly, my friend. Pete was full of passion and pride, dedicated and determined to be the best at everything he did. I admired Pete for all that he stood for. Pete was and will continue to be a true inspiration in my life.

I will never forget you Pete.

With Love,

Collins Cooper

Leyden Hane

August 6, 2003

You all have been in my thoughts and prayers throughout the last couple of weeks. Pete always had a warm presense about him and always made me and others smile. Episcopal's class of 1994 has lost a wonderful person and friend. He will definately be missed!

Nick Roberts

August 2, 2003

Dr. & Mrs. Ober, Alisha & Madeline,

I was a classmate, team mate, and friend of Pete. I have never met anyone with more determination than Pete. It did not matter what the obstacle; be it a test, match, game, or dare, Pete believed in himself and the simple fact that he could overcome anything. We have lost a great man, who loved his family, country, and friends. I feel safe to say that all of his friends from Episcopal High School have in someway been touched by Pete.

Wiht deepest regrets,

Nick Roberts

KATHY BRANNON

August 1, 2003

Marianne and family,

Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your brother and son. It is obvious that Peter was a wonderful young man who gave his life making sure all of us are safe. May God bless and keep you in His arms.

Annie Rini

August 1, 2003

Dear Dr. and Mrs. Ober and family,

Please know your family is in my prayers as you mourn the death of your son. From what I have read about him he certainly sounds like a young man that any parent would be so very proud to have as a son. I can only imagine how deeply he will be missed. Please accept my condolences.

Annie Rini (NE FL Bioethics Forum)

Ryan Glenn

August 1, 2003

Dear Ober family,

Pete meant more to me over the years than I can express in this note. We met at a wrestling tournament at the Naval Station the summer before our junior year. My brother Chad introduced us since they were both on the Orange Park team. I'll never forget the match he lost that day. He was head and armed 5 straight times and lost by a techniccal fall. What was so memorable was the fact that each time he got up he charged his opponent harder than the time before. Pete always believed that effort could overcome any obstacle. That next fall he transfered to Episcopal. I knew he wasn't ecstatic about making that move, but those of us who were his classmates and teamates were lucky to get him. Vince, Susan, MaryAnn, Erin, Alicia, and Madeline my thoughts and prayers are with you.

With love,

Ryan Glenn

Laura Karabinis

July 31, 2003

Dear Susan and Family,

We did not know your son, but as we learned what a wonderful young man he was, we imagined both your pride and your grief. Please accept our deepest condolences....Paul & Laura Karabinis

Karim Samara

July 31, 2003

I am so sorry, Dr. and Mrs. Ober. Pete was such a wonderful person.

Pete, we love you and we miss you. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

With sincerest regards,

Karim Samara and family

Ray & Sherry Avery

July 31, 2003

You are in our thoughts and prayers. I remember Peter as such a bright and enthusiastic student (at Lakeside Elementary in Orange Park) with a wonderful personality. He will be missed, but our prayer is that you will be filled with wonderful memories of him. We pray that God will comfort you and strengthen you.

Neil Schoenberger

July 30, 2003

I remember the day that I met Pete Ober. I was a wrestler at Jacksonville Episcopal High School. I was a bit older than Pete. I distinctively remember thinking that he was naturally built like a wrestler. Pete was a lot more than just that. His work ethic was contagious. His peers aspired to gain the command of discipline that Pete had achieved. Pete was a positive influence on all that he met. While later memories of him race through my head, what is most important now are the people he loved. Alicia, Madeline, Vincent, Susan, Marianne, Erin, William and Margaret. Once in a movie, a General recalls a letter written a long time go to a Mrs. Bigsby in Boston.

“…I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine that would attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the republic he died to save. I pray that our heavenly father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the alter of freedom…Yours Very Sincerely…Respectfully…Abraham Lincoln.”

Perhaps Lincoln was speaking of Lt. Ober as well. As for Pete, I wish you God’s speed my brother. I look forward to the day that we meet again!

Richard & Betty Twombly

July 30, 2003

Word can not express the grief we felt to learn someone we know personally has lost a son. His personal relationship with god garentees him a mantion in heaven. We may greeve, but it only for ourselves,since he is at the feet of Jesus rejoicing.

Jill Johnson

July 30, 2003

Mr. and Mrs. Ober and family,

I met Pete when he first moved to Orange Park, and down the street from me in Park West. I will never forget Pete's wit, charm and ability to make you laugh when you needed it most. Your family is in my prayers.

Becki Poff

July 30, 2003

Erin and family- I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Pete was a great, funny, genuine person. I remember riding my bike over to his house when the family lived in Park West, just to chat. He was such a nice person, and was one of those people that truly deserved the best in life. I'm proud to say that I had known him, if only for those few years. I know right now there isn't much that people can say to ease the pain. But please know that his old Lakeside Jr High and OPHS buddies are thinking of him fondly, and keeping his family in our prayers. God bless- Becki

Paul Hudgins

July 30, 2003

Again, I wish to extend my heart

felt condolence concerning the

loss of Peter.

JAMES MCNEIL JR MD

July 30, 2003

VINCE PLEASE ACCEPT MY WARMEST PERSONAL REGARDS JIM MCNEIL

Floyd Hurt

July 30, 2003

My deepest sympathy, Floyd

Gene & Marie Grams

July 30, 2003

We were so sorry to read of Peter's passing. Dr. Ober was our Family Practice Dr. at the Naval Hospital Jax for three years. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Neil and Bobbie Ward

July 30, 2003

THERE IS SO MUCH TO SAY FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS WHOM WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD SO MUCH ADMIRATION AND RESPECT FOR. THE LOSS OF SUCH A WONDERFUL MAN AS PETE AT SUCH AN EARLY AGE IS JUST A TRAGEDY. JAMES, SALLY, NEIL & I HAVE SPENT SO MUCH TIME TOGETHER EMAILING AND ON THE PHONE SHARING WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF PETE DURING WHAT HAS TO BE THE WORST TIME IN YOUR LIVES. JAMES HAS BEEN EMAILING ME PICTURES OF THE TWO OF THEM TOGETHER AND CONTINUES TO TELL ME STORIES EVERYDAY OF THOSE EARLY TEENAGE YEARS. HE IS IN SAINT AUGUSTINE AND WOULD REALLY LIKE TO COME AND SEE YOU BUT NOT SURE WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW. SALLY IS IN COLORADO AND DEVASTED ALSO. WE WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT OUR LOVE, HEARTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL OF YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THE MENTION OF PETE'S NAME WILL ALWAYS BRING A SMILE TO THOSE WHO KNEW HIM.

SINCERELY,

NEIL, BOBBIE, SALLY AND JAMES

Michael McCown

July 30, 2003

My sympathy and prayers to the family of Peter Ober. He was a kind and gentle person, a sudent at Episcopal that I remember teaching with a great deal of fondness. God's blessings and comfort keep you in his love and sustain you always.

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