If you knew Charlie, you loved him. He was gifted with a tremendous mind and an even bigger heart. Charlie spent almost twenty-five years as a full-time university professor and researcher. He joined the Jefferson Medical College Faculty in 1979 as an Assistant Professor, became an Associate Professor in 1982, and was promoted to Professor in 1992. When he decided to join our faculty in 1996 so that he could share his love of science and of life with high school students, Charlie continued to teach part time at Jefferson and do his research. He served as department chair for his eight years on our faculty. A superb educator, he was involved in every aspect of school life. He loved his students, and they loved him!

Able to teach physics, biology, and chemistry (and many other subjects as well), Charlie had a passion for learning that he conveyed to every student he ever taught. He was a born teacher who had the ability to make the most difficult concept seem easy. Unique in the classroom, teaching both our youngest and oldest students in Upper School, he gave confidence to the struggling student and truly inspired the most talented. He introduced AP Chemistry and created a course on the history of science. Appropriately, when Charlie retired, we named the science department award in his honor.

As talented as Charlie was as an educator, he was an equally devoted family person. His love for and commitment to his wife, Judy, and children, Tricia and Scott ’98, were evident in everything he did. A mere mention of any of their names brought a smile to Charlie's face. This was especially clear when Tricia and her husband, Clinton McCartney, exchanged vows in October of 2005. Charlie exuded such joy and pleasure as he witnessed the event and joined in a dance with Tricia. He was as proud of Judy, Tricia and Clinton, and Scott as they were of him.

Just four years ago Charlie was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an ultimately fatal form of brain cancer. Although the disease was very debilitating, Charlie remained upbeat and optimistic. The way in which he dealt with his illness was representative of the way he did everything. He was a wonderful role model for all of us and epitomized our motto: Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing.

The memorial service for Charlie is scheduled for next Wednesday, September 12, at 11:00 a.m. at the Swarthmore Presbyterian Church, 727 Harvard Ave. in Swarthmore.

At the request of Judy and the family, contributions can be made in Charlie's name to The Tug McGraw Neuro-oncology Quality of Life Research Center and The Shipley School Science Department. Contributions to the research center should be sent to the following address: 

The Tug McGraw Neuro-oncology Quality of Life Research Center
1303 Jefferson Street (Suite 100B)
Napa, CA 94559

Those making a contribution to the fund here at school should make the check out to The Shipley School and mark it for The Charles S. Owen Memorial Fund.

I am sure that Judy, Tricia and Clinton, and Scott would love to hear from you. The address is: 512 Harvard Ave., Swarthmore, PA 19081.

Finally, as our thoughts, love, and prayers go out to Judy, Tricia and Clinton, Scott, and the entire family, we give thanks for having had the privilege to know Charlie. He made all of us a little more knowledgeable and much better people.

Steve Piltch
Head of School