THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

Charlie was born and raised in the Fernwood neighborhood on Chicago's South Side. A graduate of Quigley Preparatory Seminary High School in Chicago and University of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, he was ordained in 1968. A Chicago diocesan priest and advocate, he worked at several parishes until leaving in 1979, feeling the Church limited his ability to be his authentic self.

Ever devoted to the welfare of others, Charlie remained a man of service all his life. Notably, he was the residents manager at AIDS Care (1995—2004), and the leasing housing manager at Mercy Housing Lakefront (2006—2020), where, for 14 years, he helped homeless individuals and families find low-income permanent housing. Charlie created community wherever he worked, and his colleagues were also his friends.

Charlie was a man of great heart, soul, wisdom and compassion; he loved others, and was loved, unconditionally. Charlie was also an avid bicycler, sang with the Windy City Chorus, and loved to cook. Friends and family will miss his often impeccably timed insightful wisdom, appreciation of life and nature, warmth and great sense of humor; the light in his eyes was real.

Charlie is survived by his loving husband of 27 years and best friend, Dale A. Fahnstrom; their sons, Kiel (Casey) and Christopher (Danielle); grandchildren, Fred and Haley; dog, Fergus; his brother, Paul Tobin; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Veronica Tobin; his sister, Mary Tobin; his brother, Frank Tobin; and his former partner, Scott Stevens.

Friends and family will gather for a memorial mass at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Chicago.

Please consider donating to Mercy Housing Lakefront and continue to help the homeless. Donations can be made online at info.mercyhousing.org/Charlie.