Captain Al Oberst, J.D. lived a life shaped by service — to his country, his community, and the people he loved.

Al served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Cold War and Reserves for twenty years. His commitment to veterans never faded; he later served as a JAG officer, offering guidance and advocacy to those who had worn the uniform, and he established a veterans’ scholarship at John Carroll University.

For decades, Al lovingly maintained the Liberty Oaks—the massive, century‑old trees dedicated to the 850 Cleveland Area men who died in World War I. These majestic oaks stretch from Lake Erie along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive through the Shaker Lakes. Every Memorial Day, Al ensured that American flags were placed at each plaque at the base of every tree, honoring the sacrifice of these brave men. He also served as a JAG officer for veterans and established a veterans’ scholarship at John Carroll University.

Throughout his life, he held numerous public leadership roles, including Acting Cuyahoga County Commissioner, Assistant Director of the Port Authority, and Assistant Director of Economic and Labor Relations for Cuyahoga County. He was Governor, Senator George Voinovich’s right‑hand man in Cleveland and managed Seth Taft’s Cleveland mayoral campaign.

Al was a proud graduate of Cleveland Heights High School, John Carroll University, and John Marshall Law School.

His civic involvement was vast, but never self‑serving—one of the thousand points of light. Al was deeply involved in charitable and civic organizations, often serving as president. These included his high school and college fraternities, the Young Republicans, the Cleveland Catholic Alumni, the Cleveland Heights Library Board, the Cleveland International Competitiveness Organization, and the Merci Lafayette Association. He also served for decades as a precinct committeeman. Among his many civic projects was the restoration of the 200‑year‑old Shaker Mill at Coventry and North Park.

Al belonged to St. Anne’s Parish for 90 years, serving in numerous roles.

Devoted son of Olympian Eugene G. Oberst and Cahterine Harold Oberst, he is survived by his brother Rob (Pat); his dear deceased siblings Gene (Joanne), Pat TePas (John), and Joan Clausing (John); and by his nephews and nieces—Mary Pat Wagner, Joani Hasser, Kay Yohe, Joe TePas, Bai McFarland, Jay TePas, Michelle Harrison, Gene Oberst, Bill Clausing, Cathy Clausing, John Clausing, and Dan Clausing—along with 29 great‑nieces and nephews and many great‑great‑nieces and nephews.

Graveside Services Wednesday September 30, at Lake View Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Ave., Cleveland (PLEASE MEET AT THE MAYFIELD RD. Gate at 10:15 am. The family will receive friends at the Vitantonio-Previte Funeral Home, 2110 Mayfield Rd. Cleveland Tuesday September 29, 4:00 to 6:00pm with a service at 5:30PM. A memorial Mass will follow at a later date.