Charles Tobias

1938 - 2023

Charles Tobias
August 29, 1938 - May 20, 2023
Charles Tobias -- a warm, loving, and loyal child of San Francisco's Sunset District and a former Bay Area Typographical Union president -- died of a sudden heart attack, surrounded by his loving family, on May 20.
Charlie was born on August 29, 1938, and grew up in the Sunset District when there were still rabbits and sand dunes. He was still living in the Sunset when he passed away. His oldest sister, Barbara Sturla, said, "He loved the Sunset. We couldn't get him to move even though all he complained about was the weather." His brother Dave Tobias added, "He considered it a great day if he could see the Farallones out his kitchen window." He and his family spent summers with their Sundberg cousins at the Russian River, which they dubbed the Irish Riviera. He found peace and joy near the ocean, parks, and nature trails throughout his life.
Charlie attended St. Anne's School in the Sunset, then went to Sacred Heart High School and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School. He attended City College of San Francisco and San Francisco State before enlisting in the Army Signal Corps. He served for two years, stationed in Korea.
After returning home from his Army service, Charlie served an apprenticeship at Sorg Printing in San Francisco. He obtained his journeyman's card and worked all over the western U.S. in newspapers and commercial union shops. He developed his lifelong commitment to working people and the progressive movement during this time.
Always a strong union man, Charlie served as an organizer for the Bay Area Typographical Union Local 21 and eventually became Local 21's President. He retired in 2001 and passed away on the 61st anniversary of his initiation into the union. He was the president of the union's Retiree's Club and wrote a column for its newsletter up until his death.
Charlie stood out for his devotion to his family. His children, Annie, Kristen, and Peter, remember him as a fun, adventurous, loving father. They spent time together on trips to Lake Tahoe, camping, and sailing down the Truckee River. Charlie shared his love of books and reading with his children on weekly trips to the local library.
After retiring, he and his wife, Margaret Olson, enjoyed traveling and following their beloved San Francisco Giants. He visited Cuba, South America, and Europe. He and Margaret went to Hawaii many times, frequenting the Big Island. Charlie was an avid reader and loved jazz music and biking. He and Margaret were fond of the outdoors and took advantage of their proximity to Golden Gate Park.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Margaret Olson, of San Francisco; sister Barbara Sturla of Danville; brother Dave Tobias of Castro Valley; children (from his marriage to Marlys Tobias) Annie Tobias of Clarkston, Ga.; Kristen Engelhardt (Bill) of San Anselmo and Peter Tobias of San Ramon and stepson Matthew Osypowski of Nevada City; grandchildren Julia Tobias, Nolan Allen, Carlton Engelhardt, Betsy Engelhardt, and Preston Osypowski; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister Charlene Trautner.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 23 at 11 a.m. at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church in San Francisco's Sunset district, followed by a reception and celebration of life at the nearby Irish Cultural Center. Contributions can be sent to the Pacific Media Workers Guild CWA Local 39521, at 433 Natoma St., Suite 250, San Francisco 94103, for use by its hardship fund and for scholarships.