Charles E. Osborne

Charles Edward Osborne, a lifelong resident of Marblehead, died May 22, 2011 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Jean T. Osborne. Born in Marblehead, MA on July 27, 1923, he was the son of the late F. Norris and Anna Blaney Osborne.

Raised in Marblehead, Mr. Osborne graduated from Marblehead High School, Admiral Farragut Academy, and the University of New Hampshire. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served in World War II, called back for the Korean War, and as a quartermaster took part in the construction of the United States’ first Naval Base in Thule, Greenland.

Upon graduation from the University of New Hampshire, he worked alongside his father and brothers at F. N. Osborne Co., Inc., one of last surviving independent, family owned grocers, which had been a fixture of downtown Marblehead since the turn of the century.

After his retirement from the grocery store in 1974, a new chapter of his life began as owner and operator of Osborne Florist & Greenhouses, Inc. with his sons and family.

In his lifetime, he was a member of both St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, where he served on the altar as a young man, and the Church of St. Andrew. He was a member of the Philanthropic Lodge F & AM, VFW Post 2005 of Marblehead, B. P.O. Elks, and Market Square Associates. He was also a former member and secretary of the Marblehead Rotary Club and a former member of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor. He was a corporator and former trustee of Marblehead Bank. He was one of the first presidents of Marblehead Midget Football, now known as Marblehead Youth Football. He was a member of the Gridiron Club and the Gerry 5 VFA.

He is survived by his children, Charles E. “Chip” Osborne Jr., Nancy O. Pender, Peter T. Osborne, and Patricia O. Shafer. He took great pride in his grandchildren, Charles E. III (Chad), Kari R., Benjamin F., and Taylor T. Osborne, Matthew R. Pender, Anna A. and Elyssa J. Osborne, and Thomas K. Shafer, and his great-grandson, Oliver B. Pender. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters, Bowden G. Osborne, Edith O. Graves, Frank N. Osborne Jr., and Elizabeth M. Humphrey.

A graveside service will be held at Waterside Cemetery, 294 West Shore Drive, Marblehead, on Thursday, May 26 at 1PM, followed by a memorial service at St. Michael’s Church, 26 Pleasant Street, Marblehead at 2PM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Eustis and Cornell Funeral Home of Marblehead. If desired, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or the Epilepsy Therapy Project, P.O. Box 742, Middleburg, VA 20118.