Ernie Oelbermann, a legendary figure in the State College bar and music scene, passed away on Wednesday morning.
Oelbermann owned the Phyrst from 1968 to 2000, where his performances with the legendary Phyrst Phamily band made the bar an integral part of the Penn State experience for countless alumni.
He passed away at the age of 90 on Wednesday morning in Venice, Florida, according to a family statement posted on social media Wednesday afternoon. The post celebrated Oelbermann’s devotion to his wife Becky of 65 years, his enduring love for his children and grandchildren, and “his big heart, his music, and his zest for living.”
Oelbermann was a cornerstone of the Phyrst Phamily, which featured a large rotating cast of musicians. Recognized as the band leader on the Phyrst website, Oelbermann helped begin the traditional Saturday night sing-alongs that continued at the bar even after his retirement. A well-known and much beloved figure in State College, Oelbermann is also the namesake of Famous Ernie’s Cheesestealks on Beaver Avenue.
A post on the Phyrst Phriends Facebook page laments this loss to the Penn State community: “Ernie you will be greatly missed by all of those who had the honor and pleasure of meeting you.”
