Remembering Charles F. O'Brien

Charles O'Brien known to his family and friends as Charlie and Chick passed away peacefully at his home in Ormond Beach February 10 2007 with his closest family surrounding him with prayers and love. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday February 24 2007 at 11:00 AM at St. Brendan Catholic Church with Father John Ryan Pastor as Celebrant. Family and friends are all invited to adjourn to the St Brendan's banquet room following the service. Charlie's life of family faith and kindness began March 21 1939. Born to devoted parents Edith and Frank Charlie led a rich life grounded by a Catholic education. He attended Catholic elementary schools and graduated from All Hallows High School in the Bronx in 1956. He participated in high school basketball football and track. Charlie also excelled academically and in 1963 was awarded a PhD in American Studies from Brown University after earning a B.A. at St. Michael's College (1960) and an M.A. from the University of Wyoming (1961). While in college he worked two summers as a fishing guide at Yellowstone National Park. Upon finishing his degree at Brown University Charlie returned to Burlington Vermont and began his academic career as an Assistant Professor of History at St. Michaels College. In 1968 Charlie moved his family to upstate New York to begin a thirty year teaching career at Clarkson University. Charlie's talents and leadership were recognized when he was quickly named to the Faculty Senate and later appointed Dean of Liberal Studies a position he later relinquished to spend more time with his students. Charlie researched and wrote the authoritative biography of Sir William Dawson Canada's pre-eminent geologist and theologian. The book explored Dawson's controversial faith that new scientific and natural discoveries fit firmly into biblical scripture and Christian theology a faith supported more recently by the growing Intelligent Design movement. In 1977 Charlie was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship by the U.S. State Department to teach American History during a sabbatical period in North Africa. In 1987 Charlie was recognized for his pioneering integration of the internet with his classroom curriculum. Charlie was best known on campus as a challenging fun accessible professor who's classes continually filled up quickly. A mainstay at athletic events he was a mentor to many student/athletes and a longtime member of the Clarkson Athletic Department's Steering Committee. In 1999 Charlie retired and eventually relocated with his wife Emily to Ormond Beach Florida. Always a giver Charlie became a Minister to the Sick at Saint Brendan's Catholic Church. Even during his recent battle with stomach cancer Charlie delivered weekly communion and prayers to those he saw in more need. Charlie will always be remembered as a very honest kind and supportive husband father family member and friend. He is survived by his soulmate and loving wife Emily son Terence O'Brien and his wife Christine of Frisco TX son Marc O'Brien and his wife Suzanne of San Mateo CA daughter Kristin Prillaman and her husband William of Vienna VA. stepson Christopher French and his fiance Vicki Boyles of Rittman OH stepson Jeffrey French and his wife Caroline of Groton MA sister Mary Sladyk of Johnson VT brother Terence O'Brien and his wife Gail of Lakeland FL 14 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife and lifelong friend Monique O'Brien who passed away in 1998. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Charlie O'Brien may be made to Healthcare Odyssey 3 Hargrove Grade Suite 5 Palm Coast Florida 32137. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com. Services will be held at 11am on February 24 2007 at Saint Brendan's Catholic Church 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd Ormond by the Sea Florida.