Cyril Joseph Obara

Cyril Joseph “CJ” Obara, 82, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents; Bronislaw Cyril Obara and Blanche Krystyniak Obara and his loving wife, Jewel Cole Obara (2011). He was also preceded in death by his brother Joe Obara and sister-in-law, Ann Obara, of Lowell, Massachusetts.

He is survived by a daughter, Robin Obara Brooks and son-in-law, Larry Wayne Brooks of Asheville, NC; a sister, Jane Lynch and brother-in-law, Ted Lynch of Windham, New Hampshire; nephew, Justin Lynch and wife, Julie, Litchfield, New Hampshire; and nieces, Kris Obara and Amy Doyle.

Cyril was born in Lowell, Massachusetts and graduated from Lowell High School in 1960 as Lt. Colonel of the Regiment. In 1964, he graduated from Lowell Technological Institute with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He moved to Asheville, North Carolina to work for American Enka as a Chemical Engineer. He moved to Greenville, Ohio and retired from BASF in 2002 and moved back to Asheville.

In retirement, he enjoyed carpentry work and his true passion was volunteering for Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity building homes. He was a volunteer for 20 years and loved working with what he called “his habitat family.” His dog, Joey, always went to Habitat with him.

A graveside service is planned for Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., Skyview Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Harold Rash, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity.

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.