Arthur E. Oberster, 86, passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2016. Born in Canton, Ohio on July 6, 1929, son of the late Joseph and Julia Oberster. A graduate of East Canton High School, he graduated Cum Laude from Mount Union College with majors in chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Arthur received his Ph.D degree with a major in organic chemistry and a minor in biochemistry from the University of Notre Dame. Arthur was employed by Merck & Co. as a research scientist before joining Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. as a research chemist, where he retired as a senior research associate after 31 years. After his retirement, he joined H & R Block as a part-time tax preparer, and continued to work there for 20 years or so, lastly working as a master tax advisor. Arthur was a member of the American Chemical Society, and was a past member of the Knights of Columbus Council 341, where he was a past Grand Knight. He received many other awards through work and service, and was awarded numerous US and foreign patents while working for Merck and Firestone. Arthur was very involved in the Catholic Church. He was a former member of Little Flower and was a current member of St. Paul’s Catholic Churches. He was very involved at each church, serving in many different ways: parish council, men’s club, choir, lector, usher, and chairing many parish activities from dances to festivals to the senior citizens card party and luncheon. Arthur was preceded in death by his wife Vera (Casali) Oberster in 2002, and siblings Mary Oberster, Julia Andrews, Louis Oberster, Joseph Oberster, John Oberster, Margaret Tournoux, Robert Oberster, Betty Frentzel, and August Oberster. He is survived by siblings Richard Oberster and Donna Dale, sister-in-law Rita Oberster and brother-in-law Karl Frentzel. Arthur is also survived by his children Cynthia (John) Favilla, Heidi (Richard) Nicodemo, Angela (Robert) Eckinger, Roderick (Karen) Oberster, Joseph Oberster, and Jeffrey (Francisco Sauri) Oberster; grandchildren Melissa (Peter) Ricchiuti, Ricky Favilla, Annaliese, Richard, and Jackie Nicodemo, Matthew, Anthony, Stephen, and Karissa Eckinger, Katie (Cole) Miller, Kyle, Joshua and Jacob Oberster; and great-grandchildren Carson and Chelsea Miller and Rocco Ricchiuti. Arthur is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and Canadian cousins. Arthur enjoyed many pastimes including gardening, reading, and working crossword puzzles. It brought him immense joy to spend quality time with his family, whether it be getting together for dinner or a party, bocce, Christmas caroling, family vacations, or watching Notre Dame football. A special thank you to all who were involved in Arthur’s health care these past months, including his doctors, nurses, home health care providers, and hospice. Mass of Christian burial will be Monday at 9:30 am in St. Paul Catholic Church, North Canton with Fr. Daniel Finnerty as celebrant. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 4 to 7 pm in the Wackerly Funeral Home. Donation may be made in his name to the St. Paul's Capital Campaign Fund. For those unable to attend services you may register on line at our: “On Line Registry Page” at www.wackerlyfuneralhome.com.

 Service Information