Call Now for Immediate Support: 1-757-868-6641
Call Now for Immediate Support: 1-757-868-6641
Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Lance Edward Oberg
“The Grand Poo Pah,” lovingly known as “Songbird”
Lance Edward Oberg, 86, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, at Riverside hospital in Newport News Virginia, surrounded by loved ones, following a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Born on December 2, 1939, in Fawn Township, Pennsylvania, Lance was the son of Carl and Eleanor Oberg. Though his life took him many places, Bradford Avenue where he grew up with his siblings and parents in Westmont New Jersey, was always—and very proudly—home in his heart.
In his younger years, Lance served briefly in the United States Army as a chef. He later put his quick wit and gift of the gab to good use as a successful salesman, eventually owning his own business.
Affectionately known as “The Grand Poo Pah,” Lance was known for his sharp sense of humor, sarcasm, and lifelong talent for giving people a hard time— mostly in good fun. He had a remarkable ability to bring laughter into any room. He loved sailing on the Cooper River, sipping Manhattans, dining at mom-and-pop restaurants, and never missed a birthday or anniversary—often marked with his trademark “I.O.U.”
Later in life, Lance earned yet another nickname — “Songbird.” While in rehabilitation, he charmed nursing staff and fellow residents by singing them to sleep each night, offering comfort and tenderness through music. Loved ones could often hear him singing “It’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way” which suited him perfectly!
More than anything, Lance cherished being a grandfather. He will be remembered as he was before his illness: laughing with his grandchildren, showing the boys how a car engine worked, building forts on the floor, reading stories, spoiling them with candy and connecting with them in the joyful, uncomplicated way only grandparents can.
Lance is survived by his children, Eric Oberg (Bonny) of Poquoson, Virginia, and Julie Lindsay (Simon) of Bangor, Northern Ireland; his grandchildren Luke, Kieran, Peyton, Justin, Abbi, Landon, Jamie, Katie, and Ryan; his great-grandchildren Layton, Saul, and River; his brothers Victor and John Oberg (Linda); Sisters in law Laura and Cindy; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Eleanor Oberg; wife Shirley Oberg and his brothers Robert and David.
Lance held his lifelong friendships close, especially those with Martin O’Keefe, Bill Foody, and Kerm Watson—companions in countless adventures he fondly recalled until the very end.
A private family service will be held on January 5 at Claytor-Rollins Funeral Home in Poquoson, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dignity for the Aged at dignityfortheaged.org.
Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.
Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lance Edward Oberg, please visit our floral store.
Dignity For The Aged
7 Jefferson Court, Poquoson VA 23662
Tel: 1-757-868-4163
Web: https://dignityfortheaged.org/