“Keep the trucks clean!” — Chubby Obrecht

The Elkins Park Fire Company lost its senior Life Active Firefighter and Board Member, Charles ‘Chubby’ Obrecht. Chubby passed away the morning of December 23rd, 2018, at the age of 81 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Chubby had been a member of the Elkins Park Fire Company for more than 60 years and had diligently served in nearly every capacity of the fire company. His leadership, friendship and constant presence at the firehouse. He is survived by his wife Ruth and his children Sharon, Chuck and Ed.

Charles Obrecht, a US Army veteran, worked as a Philadelphia Gas Works employee and volunteered his entire life with the Elkins Park Volunteer Fire Company, joining in 1953. He was an active member of the company and served as Vice-President of the Active Department and Treasurer and Secretary of both the Active Department and our Board of Directors. He also served as Chief Engineer for most of his tenure with the company. In addition to this, he was a service technician for the old PECO gas company and served the residents of this community.

The dedication and commitment to our fire company and the legacy that Chubby has left will never be duplicated. With his quiet demeanor, he had the ability to teach and mentor younger members on pump operations, ladder operations, administrative functions, and traditions. He became a father figure to many and will be sorely missed. Chub was quintessentially the heart and soul of the Elkins Park Fire Company.

Chubby’s official obituary can be found here : https://tinyurl.com/ChubbyObrecht

To read his granddaughter’s tribute, click here

To make a donation to Elkins Park Fire Company in honor of Chubby, please contact Mike Wolk at 215-635-0737.