Russell Ober III

Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Russell T. Ober III, affectionately known as Bear, passed away on June 10, 2024, at the age of 85, and was the beloved husband of Lynne Ober. He completed his first bachelor's degree in chemistry from Syracuse University, his master's degree in Mathematics from the Central Michigan University (while stationed with his SAC unit in Michigan), and his second bachelor’s degree in German from University of Maryland (while stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany). Dedicated to serving his country, Russ spent 23 years in the U.S. Air Force in SAC and TAC before transitioning to USAFE at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. During the Vietnam War he flew nearly 600 combat hours as a Wild Weasel. Russ was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in March 1971, the prestigious Silver Star in April 1971 for his role in the Son Tay Prison raid, and the Air Medal with 19 Oak Leaf Clusters during his four tours in Southeast Asia. He joined Air Force Intelligence operations in USAFE where he continued his career and garnered more recognition for his work. He was stationed with the Army at Fort Bliss from 1980 to 1982 where his mission was to convince the Army that the motto “if it flies, it dies”, needed to be modified to recognize “friendly” aircraft such as flown by the Air Force in combat situations. He worked with a unit educating Army personnel about differences between American military and civilian planes and planes flown by combatants against American troops and was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for his efforts in a combat area. After his retirement from the US Air Force, he taught high school mathematics at Alvirne High School in Hudson, NH. He found great joy in engaging with his students through coaching, teaching, conversing, and mentoring. For seventeen years he passed on his love of math, life and advice for living an honorable life to his students. After retiring as a teacher, Russ was a New Hampshire State Representative for 9 terms. He was a member on the Ways and Means Committee where he helped craft NH taxing policies, Science Technology and Energy Committee as well as the State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs, which he also chaired. Russ worked diligently to move NH to a more cohesive approach to veteran services, much of which has been implemented today. Beyond his multiple service-related careers, Russ was a man of many interests. He enjoyed a zest for life that radiated throughout his life. He relished spending time with family. Although a quiet and self-assuming man, he was known for a dry wit that he shared with one and all, much to the enjoyment and chagrin of generations of family and friends. He was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan. An adventurer at heart, he continued to run, ski, laugh, read and travel. He and his wife traveled extensively throughout their 53 years of marriage and visited every continent except Australia. Russ had a strategic mind, finding joy in puzzles that stretched his mind. Russ is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Lynne Ober, his sons Michael Ober and his wife Sherri Ober, Jeff Ober and his wife Rikki Ober, and Ted Ober, his grandchildren Justin Ober, Nathaniel Ober, Elizabeth (Eli) Ober, Randy Ober, Brittney Ober Courtenay married to Ryan Courtenay, and Ryan Ober, and his great-grandchildren Gabrielle Ober, Kensley Ober, Cardin Courtenay, and Scarlett Ober. Other close family members are Robin and Jim Callahan, Cindy and Rick Ressijac, Diann and Stan Lewandowski, Phil Ober, Karen Dwinell, Patricia Ober, Erin Burke, Jackie Lambert Smith. Though he may have left this world, his legacy of caring and kindness, wisdom, and adventure will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. Memorial Contributions may be made to Dana Farber Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment Center in Boston in memory of Russell T. Ober III and their website may be found at https://www.dana-farber.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/make-a-memorial-or-tribute-gift?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2gzFm3xPbQvy7H_jLLcNCngxVp6epAja-JCZ1N6f0c-Le3HWgw1A4K_Eg_aem_ARpIzdsQlmlwUDnG0XE2el89eaIV1Rr9YQcg1pKjOAgZstbBAb4pzouRGL0p3J8bqW488hvfTlLbXoAN7UmXNFzy Services will be private for family members.