Charles J. "Obie" O'Brien, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on February 12, 2024. He and his wife Mari (Heenan) O'Brien shared 61 years of marriage, friendship and adventure.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of Charles "Obie" O'Brien and Sally (McGovern) O'Brien. He attended La Salle College High School, an institution he deeply loved. He played for and often assisted in his father's 35 years of coaching, helping create La Salle's powerhouse high school basketball program. Obie graduated from La Salle College and went on to a very successful career in business: he was named President of Matlack Inc. at 31 years old and later teamed up with colleagues to buy Quality Carriers, outside of Chicago, which grew to become the largest chemical tank truck company in North America.

Obie's love for and devotion to Mari was an inspiration to others. The pair created fun and friendships from Philadelphia to Lake Forest, Illinois, Tampa, Florida, Savannah, Georgia, and points in between. They loved travel, movies, games, golf, watching sports, and -- more than anything – opening their home to friends and family and making them feel loved and welcomed. Their golden years were spent in Avalon, NJ in their "Miracle on 34th Street" whose "open door policy" meant that members of their big Irish families were always coming and going. All were welcome at Pop and Grand's.

He is survived by Mari, sister Patty McFadden (Bill), children Charles III "Obie", Tracy Hudash (Ron), Terry (Meg), Erin Dugery (David), 18 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Kelly Rooney (Sean).

Relatives and friends are invited on Saturday February 24th, Visitation 10 AM with Funeral Mass at 11 AM at St. Margaret Church, 208 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth PA. Burial private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the La Salle College High School David Program.