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Charles O'Brien Obituary
Charles Leonard O'Brien
PRESCOTT, AZ - Charles Leonard O'Brien of Prescott, AZ passed away on Hero's Way at the Northern Arizona Veterans Hospital, Prescott, AZ on July 8, 2024. He was born September 11, 1947, at the Bethesda Naval Hospital, Bethesda, MD to Robert Louis and Muriel Ellinger O'Brien.
He graduated from Lyman Hall High School, Wallingford, Connecticut and from Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA cum laude.
Charles was a Combat Infantryman, Ranger Airborne serving in Vietnam and receiving the Bronze Star with valor and the Silver Star.
After the Army he graduated from Dickinson School of Law, Carlisle, PA magna cum laude. Charles was a partner at the law firm Morgan Lewis and Bockius, Harrisburg, PA.
He was a member of the Pelion Project being the first amputee to reach the summit of Mt. Rainier in Washington State.
He was one of the founders of the Vietnam Leadership Program, Philadelphia, PA.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents and eldest son, Charles Leonard Ellinger O'Brien, Richmond, VA. He is survived by his wife, of 57 years, Susan Christopher O'Brien. He is also survived by his son, Christopher Scott O'Brien (Emily); his daughter, Megan Elizabeth Tahoma O'Brien Rand, (James); his son, Matthew Rainier James O'Brien (Corrine); a twin brother, Robert Louis O'Brien (Ruth) and grandchildren: Heaton, Annie, James, John and Declan.
He loved his family and enjoyed collecting, shooting, hunting, skiing, climbing, sailing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and chocolate labs.
Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C. with full Military Honors.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles O'Brien
Sponsored by Ruffner-Wakelin Prescott Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory - Prescott.
6 Entries
Mike Mendyka
August 9, 2025
Said a prayer for you today Charley
Bill Wantz
September 8, 2024
Our daughter-in-law sent over some egg plant parmesan this evening, reminding me of a dinner the three of us shared many years ago at the O'Briens' home near Carlisle. Chad was my fraternity brother when I was a pledge, and when Chuck chose Dickinson School of Law, we reunited, playing a good deal of tennis at the War College. We briefly reunited again years later in a bank merger involving my client and his. I have never respected anyone more for the person he was. I just learned of his death this evening. Bill Wantz, Hagerstown, MD
Jay Biega
August 20, 2024
Susan,
My condolences are given for your loss.
Jay Biega
Wanda Hunter
August 18, 2024
Hello Susan, my prayers are with you in the passing of your husband. I have fond memories of the many conversations we had at the law office. I prayer you are doing well. I would love to hear from you. We have a lot of catching up to do. My cell number is 717-386-0508. Please call or text me.
Wayne F. Shade
August 17, 2024
Rob,
Your brother was certainly an interesting guy and a true hero in every sense of the word.
Losing a twin brother has to be like losing a part of yourself.
I am very sorry that you have to experience that loss.
Mike Mendyka
August 17, 2024
My condolences to the O'Brien family. I graduated with Charley from Lyman Hall. My thoughts and prayers are with you all today.
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