Albert Sumner Oster, spirited light
A truly kind, perpetually loving, and deeply gentle soul who believed in justice for all and left an unforgettable impact in his short time on earth, Albert Sumner “Al” Oster, Hebrew Avraham Shlomo, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away tragically Monday, March 4, 2024. On this one-year tragiversary of Albert's untimely death, the void in our lives without Albert on this earth goes beyond words.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Feb. 22, 2000, he grew up in Kentucky and ultimately relocated to Rehoboth Beach. This was his final home and resting place as he was a budding Blue Hen at his beloved alma mater, University of Delaware.
Al, or Big Al as he was affectionately known, possessed a presence larger than life, but the largest and most pure part of him was always his heart. At over 6’6”, still growing and developing physically and finding his way as a young man, he had blossomed into an intellectually curious, academically driven individual who was determined to make a positive difference in the world.
In Al, there were glimmers of the greatest potential. Despite his solemn, simple, and humble upbringing and nature, Al was a quick-witted deep thinker who could evoke the most profound philosophical and heartfelt conversations. Albert could bring about provocative thought, reflection, reason, laughter, and comic relief in even the most difficult situations.
Always placing others before himself, Al was a tender, sensitive, caring soul who loved and felt deeply for others. He always seemed to be able to sense when someone else was in pain or struggling and would know exactly what to say or do to make you feel better. He would stop to talk to the downtrodden loitering at convenience stores and gas stations and talk to them about their lives, always offering words of inspiration. On one occasion while hiking, a mountain biker suffered an injury, and Albert instinctively, without thought, gave the shirt off of his back (which happened to be one of his favorites) to assist with first aid efforts. This was the genuinely kind, selfless, sensitive soul who Al was, always willing to give his all to others. His beautiful soul created so many acts of quiet goodness and love that lifted others.
Using humor as a means to uplift, Al was loyal to a fault, supportive, and showed up for his friends and family in any time of need. His compassion for others’ pain and struggles was only matched by his gentle love of animals and desire to help make a positive impact on them and the world, which truly defined his character. Albert loved his family, friends, pets, and animals, and never missed an opportunity to be present for them, even traveling long distances and sacrificing his responsibilities to care for them.
Al enjoyed chess, was dedicated to physical fitness and weight lifting, and enjoyed all sports, especially basketball and skiing. With his size, strength, and skill, his athleticism and basketball abilities were extraordinary, and he became known as the “Osterizer.” He led his high school varsity basketball team to the state championships, played briefly during college, and was involved with the intramural teams at UD. He was lauded as the “most improved player” in high school. Newspapers highlighted and celebrated “Getting Osterized,” as he could be relied upon to score record-breaking points in key games. He used to teach basketball skills at summer camps and also played with his brother and friends whenever and wherever he could.
In his spare time, Al also liked to play video games, especially Clash Royale, where he reached an elite level. He also loved cuddling with his dogs, surfing, and being near the beach. Most of all, Al enjoyed hanging out with his brother and friends, watching memes and funny videos. They loved to laugh at edgy jokes and roast each other endlessly.
Al had a tremendous work ethic. His first job was at McDonald's, followed by Bojangles in Kentucky. Later, he worked as a lifeguard in Rehoboth Beach and as a server and host at The Moorings at Lewes, Saketumi, Rehoboth Diner, and Ruby Tuesday. He was always eager to give help or work in any capacity, from pruning trees to cleaning pools to walking dogs to weeding.
When he passed, Albert was a full-time student double-majoring in political science, international relations, and criminal justice at UD. He was so close to graduation and fulfilling his dream to pursue a career in law with a passion to equalize legal inequalities and seek justice for all.
Law always held a certain fascination for Albert, but it was really a legal tragedy during his childhood that inspired him to pursue a career in the field. With his degree, Al’s passion was to help others balance legal inequalities and especially help children involved in complex custody matters to avoid the same heartache he endured as a child. Albert was a fierce advocate for the plight of others experiencing challenges and was active in several capacities to create student support to never allow others' traumatic experiences to go unchecked or unserved.
Albert attended both Hebrew school and Bible school and deeply loved G_d. May Albert feel our love and our G_d, his father in heaven, wrap his loving arms around Al with wholly perfect love and peace, and may Al feel that love and peace forever, as we love and miss him, always. It is the simplest of moments together in Rehoboth with Al, hearing his laughter and laughing together, that we will love, remember, treasure, and miss the most. During challenging times Al often reminded us that “at least we are together and have each other,” and in the end, we realize this is really what always mattered most, the time we shared, the beautiful memories we created, and how blessed and grateful we are for having you in our lives!
Albert, we are so very proud of you for the amazing human you were and the even greater man you could have become if given the chance. We mourn the future we will not get to have with you. We will carry a part of your light and love with us on earth to create good in this world as you intended until we meet again.
Al was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents. He is survived by his father, Alan Oster; mother, Paula Oster; brother, Aaron Oster; aunts, Kimberly Parasher and Deborah Gerondis; cousin, Kiran Parasher; and many extended family members and close friends and pets.
For Albert brought a light so great to the world that now, even after he is gone, his light, laughter, love, and the lessons from his premature passing shall remain. If you would like to do something to honor Al's memory, we ask you to write your congressman to pass legislation prioritizing mental health protocols and crisis intervention policies on our college campuses. If you see someone in the throes of a life storm, sit with them, laugh with them, and talk to them about their hopes and dreams. Be kind, provide support, and make someone smile if you can. Albert, your loss is immeasurable, but so is the light, love, and lasting impact your life on earth has left behind.
