Charles E. Obligato

Charles E. Obligato passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Wednesday June 5th, 2024.

Charlie was born in Beloit on January 17th, 1941, to the late Eugene and Margaret (Angilello) Obligato.  He grew up in southeastern Wisconsin and graduated from high school at St. Catherine’s in Racine in 1959. Charlie continued his studies at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater where he was a member of the Sigma Tau fraternity and earned his degree in Art Education.  After graduation Charlie was an art teacher where he spent his summers and weekends bartending and helping at various restaurants around Geneva Lake (The Huddle, The Abbey, Shore Club, The Playboy Club, Jane’s, Stone Manor, Hilton Hotel, Hoopie’s).  It was during this time that he developed his passion for the restaurant business.  In 1969 he opened the beloved dining destination, Charley 'O's, which quickly became a cherished fixture in Williams Bay and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many. It was here where he fell in love with Barb (Albee). They married on Christmas Eve, 1976. As they built their family their dedication to serve others continued. Charlie went on to open many restaurants throughout the years including Nelson’s on Main, Chuckles, The Chart Room, Doc’s Deli, Charley ‘O’s Wauwatosa, and Charley ‘O’s Stone Fired Grill.  In his ‘retirement’, Charlie continued to grace the town, assuming the role of a distinguished maître d’ at several cherished establishments in the Geneva Lake area.

Charlie will forever be remembered for his extraordinary work ethic and big heart.  As evidenced by the many memories people have shared, he was a legend. He had the uncanny ability to make every person feel like a VIP whether you saw him in a restaurant or on the streets of Williams Bay. There are few things he enjoyed more than reading his newspaper and clipping articles for loved ones, long walks with the dogs through Kishwauketoe, sitting outside watching the birds at one of his many feeders, sharing ice cream and Oreos with his grandchildren, and enjoying time with those he loved whether in the barber shop or in other local businesses.  A cornerstone of the Geneva Lake community, Charlie epitomized servant leadership, extending unwavering support to many over the years.  His kindness touched the lives of so many and although he may have departed, his spirit remains in the hearts of those he touched, a beacon of goodwill that will endure.

Charlie’s memory will be cherished by his beloved wife, Barb, with whom he shared 47 years of love and companionship.  His legacy will live on through his devoted children, Carlo (Holly) Obligato, Chris (Rachel) Obligato, and grandchildren Sydney, Hannah, Olivia, Liliana, Aida, Charles and Christopher.  He leaves behind loving siblings, Carlo (Diane Dumonoski) Obligato, Rose Carlene (Jim) Husen, John (Patti) Obligato, James Obligato, numerous cherished in-laws, nieces, and nephews who will continue to hold him dear in their hearts.  Charlie O, the man of few words with a heart of gold.

A mass to honor and celebrate Charlie’s life will be held at 5:00pm on Monday, June 10th, 2024, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Fontana, WI with a visitation beforehand from 3:00pm-5:00pm.

In Lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family has asked that you make a donation in Charlie's name to: Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy , Open Arms , or to Aurora Health at Home .

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Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Charlie's family.

Friends of Kishwauketoe
P.O Box 580, Williams Bay WI 53191
Web: https://friendsofknc.org

Open Arms Free Clinic
205 East Commerce Court, Elkhorn WI 53121
Web: http://openarmsfreeclinic.org/

Aurora At Home Hospice
950 North 12th Street, Suite A511, Milwaukee WI 53233
Tel: 1-877-460-8730
Web: https://secure.aahgiving.org/site/Donation2?5055.donation=form1&df_id=5055&mfc_pref=T