Henry David Oberlander of Norwood, MA passed away on November 5, 2025 at the age of 29 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Beloved son of David and Beth Bruno Oberlander of Mansfield, MA, Henry is also survived by his brother Cal Oberlander of Queens, NY, his grandparents Ann Bruno of Mattapoisett, MA and Robert and Anita Oberlander of Rehoboth, MA, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins who adored him. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, William “Nonno” Bruno, with whom he shared a special bond. Some in the family suggested that Henry was a Nonno-in-training, largely due to his love of family gatherings, his big hugs, and his effortless smiles.
Born on August 8, 1996, Henry grew up in Mansfield and was an active and adventurous kid. He became obsessed with skateboarding, perfecting a number of tricks. This passion morphed into a love of snowboarding on Friday evenings with friends at Wachusett Mountain.
Henry was a member of Xaverian Brothers High School Class of 2015. After making the varsity wrestling team as a freshman but only recording one varsity win, Henry dedicated himself to improving his skills in the off season. He returned sophomore year and recorded forty wins. Henry went on to be named a captain, earn accolades including Division 1 South Sectional Champion, and place at State, All-State, and New England tournaments. At Xaverian, Henry also mentored underclassmen as a Spirit Hawk Leader. Perhaps his most significant mentoring was for his brother Cal, both socially and academically.
Henry attended Bridgewater State University and graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. While there, Henry captained the wrestling team and was a two-time NCAA Division III Academic All-American Scholar. After college, Henry became an avid practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and represented Connors Martial Arts Academy in Norwood. His physical strength was impressive to his teammates at Connors who also valued his work ethic, humor, and warmth. In past years, Henry was a volunteer coach for the Mansfield High School wrestling team and was excited to return this winter to Xaverian to coach as well.
For five years, Henry worked as a laborer in Boston Local 560. This year, he attained a septic inspector license and pursued coursework to enable him to take on a role in his father’s engineering business. Henry had visions of growing the family company.
Henry loved spending time with family and lifelong friends at the beach in Mattapoisett. He loved cooking, baking, and digging into meals that others had prepared; hot wings, charcuterie boards, pho, and steak tips were favorites, but he was adventurous and tried anything. Often, Henry was the one to pick the most exotic item on the menu.
Henry was gifted with physical strength, but his soul was kind, gentle, and generous. He took his role as eldest Bruno cousin to heart. According to a young Henry, his brother’s and each successive cousin’s first word was “Henry.” Henry will be sorely missed and never forgotten; this Nonno-in training is leaving a formidable hole in the hearts of his loved ones.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, November 14, 2025 from 3-7 pm at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11 am in Saint Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt Street (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial will be private and at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Xaverian Brothers High School in memory of Henry D. Oberlander. www.xbhs.com/gifts-in-memory
