Christopher "Hoof" James Obchinetz

On Thursday, January 26, 2023, Christopher James Obchinetz (AKA Hoof to friends, AKA Nilka to sisters), beloved son, brother, friend, passed away suddenly at the age of 38.

 Born October 10, 1984, to James and Kathleen Obchinetz, Chris was uniquely himself his entire life without apology, a true character. From a very young age he learned to fix things, taking apart vacuums and TVs and putting them back together in working order without ever being taught. This progressed to working on cars in his teenage years into adulthood; again, the knowledge was somehow innate. His mind was always full of intelligent ideas and inventions, poetry, and unusual word combinations. He had an unforgettable sense of humor, often found secretly laughing at something, and he was loved by all the animals that crossed his path. Although Chris was a man of few words, the people he loved in life, he cared about immensely with a love that most of us will likely not ever feel in depth. He would do anything to help those he cared about and at times in his life, he was the most reliable person one could ever ask for.

 Chris worked for Boise Cascade for almost two decades, operating a forklift and doing various jobs working with lumber. He also worked independently for U-Ship, delivering furniture and other items to places all across the country. Chris was always adventurous in life--some of his hobbies included skydiving, base jumping, running various vehicles through the mud in the Pine Barrens, fishing, working on cars, attending Burning Man, traveling, and making others laugh.

 Chris is survived by his parents, James and Kathleen Obchinetz; sisters, Lindsay and Danielle Obchinetz; his love, Kimberly Dessert; his friends; his small flock of conures, a cat and two family dogs that loved him (one of which he rescued). Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 10am-12pm at MARK C. TILGHMAN FUNERAL HOME, 38 N. Forklanding Road, Maple Shade. 

 If you or someone you know is in crisis with a mental health emergency, please call 988.

 If you are struggling with substance/alcohol abuse, please call 888-891-0346 for free resources available to you in your area.