Henry David Obler

Henry lived and worked on a farm in France, before emigrating from Belgium to the United States on May 20, 1946. Sponsored by his uncle, in New York City, New York, he worked as a Silversmith for The Obler Company. On October 10, 1946, Henry was inducted into the Army of the United States, where he attained the rank of Private First Class and received the World War II Victory Medal, as well as the Army of Occupation Medal for Japan. Henry was honorably discharged on May 30, 1947. He continued to serve in the Army, while working for his uncle and attending New York University. Henry became a Naturalized Citizen of the United States in 1951, and was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve in 1956. In 1952, Henry earned his Bachelor of Science from New York University’s School of Commerce, Accounts, and Finance. Henry earned his Master of Business Administration from New York University’s Graduate School of Business Administration in 1953. In 1957, Henry became a member of Pi Tau Sigma, and in 1959, he became a member of Tau Beta Pi. In 1959, Henry earned his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from New York University’s College of Engineering. In 1960, he received the Founders Day Award for New York University. Henry secured his Professional Engineering License from the New Jersey State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors in 1964. In 1965, Henry secured his Professional Engineering License from the Maryland State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Henry began his career with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1966. Inspired to invent NASA patented technology, he happily remained at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) until his retirement in 1993. Henry was married to Mary Margaret Diamond in 1956. Their daughter, Diana, was born in 1957, and their son, David, was born in 1962. Henry promoted physical fitness by example, and taught both of his children how to swim, ski, ice skate, and play tennis. Henry valued education, work, and recreation. He enjoyed world-wide travel, ice dancing, skiing, tennis, swimming, ballroom dancing, and bridge. Having spent his early years on a farm, Henry savored excellent food and enjoyed preparing it. While living in Maryland, Henry was a regular volunteer at the neighborhood pool and the NASA/GSFC tennis courts. When his daughter bought her first house, Henry helped her to extensively remodel it. Henry was a quiet, intelligent man, who loved his family, unconditionally. He lived an incredibly energetic life and he will be greatly missed. Henry is survived by his wife Mary and children; Diana (Herman) Van Elburg-Obler of Ellicott City, MD, David (Shari) Obler of Laurel, MD, grandchildren; Topaz, Erik, Sonja, Kevin, Rachel, and great-grandchildren; Cedar and Sage.