Edward A. Oberzu
Edward A. Oberzut, 87, a resident of Hiawassee, Ga., passed away at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. on May 21 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Eileen Blalock Oberzut with whom he enjoyed 21 years of marriage.
He was born in Lowell, Mass. on Aug. 28, 1934. He was the son of the late Edward and Helen Obrzut, lifetime Lowell residents. After graduating high school, Ed earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business at Merrimack College in North Andover, Mass. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves during the Berlin Crisis, after which he worked a few years for Courier Citizen Business Forms, but spent 21 years with Medical Information Technology, a leading global electronic software company based in Westwood, Mass. He had a passion for riding trains and snow skiing in New England and the Rockies. After retiring early, he spent several years traveling the country in his RV, which enabled him to visit friends and relatives out west, where he loved to be in the open spaces and with family both in New England during the summer and fall and winters in Florida.
Ed married Eileen in 2001 and they lived 6 years in their motor home traveling the United States and Canada, then settled in the beautiful north Georgia mountains, where they called “home.” He greatly enjoyed the view from his house of the highest mountain in the state and daily walks along the shore of Lake Chatuge. He was a life-learner who enjoyed discussion and debating. He was always interested in American History, varied cultures and their foods and music. Ed loved his mountain community and had a strong love for the American Flag, often providing flags and flag etiquette to others.
Ed was a hardworking man and friendly to everyone. He was usually the life of any party; loved Polish food and Polka dancing, “happy music.” He treasured his Native American artifacts collected in his travels and his lifetime of pictures and videos to preserve his many happy memories of his family, work and RV travels. People remarked how he never lost his “youthful look.” He remained energetic and vibrant until a recent illness.
Edward is survived by his wife, Eileen; daughter Donna Smith, of Nashua, N.H.; son, David (Lisa), Lexington, Mass.; grandsons, Ryan, Justin, Joshua and Liam; sister, Doris Spurk-Odell (Bob), Summerfield, Fla.; cousin, Shirley DeRoche, of Lady Lake, Fla. and her son Mike DeRoche, of Clayton, Ga.; several New England cousins and countless cherished friends and business associates. He loved them immensely and was generous to all
Ed was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Hayesville, and lived out his faith every day.A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 19 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hayesville on U.S. Hwy. 64 West. All who knew him are invited to share in this special occasion.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ed’s name may be made to support the dear nuns in the Congregation of Notre Dame, Mission Advancement Office, Sacred Heart University, 3135 Easton Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825 and to St. Vincent de Paul Society IHM, C/O Bob McGinnis, 1433 U.S. Hwy 64 W, Hayesville, N.C. 28904.