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Charles Fillman Obituary
Born in West Chester, he was a son of Charles and Jean G. (Shafran) Fillman, Elverson.
Charlie was a self-employed building contractor and landscaper.
He was a 1998 graduate of Twin Valley High School, where he participated in cross-country and wrestling.
He was an associate member of the Col. Jacob Morgan American Legion Post 537, and enjoyed playing with the billiard team of the post.
Charlie had a love of the outdoors, which included camping, Frisbee golf and kayaking.
Charlie is survived by his parents, a brother, Joseph “Joe” Fillman, Lake Tahoe, Calif.; and a sister, Addy and her husband, Mike McKerns, Glenmoore.
Other survivors include a niece and nephew, Lola and Brody McKerns, Glenmoore; his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Shafran, Downingtown; his paternal grandmother, Mary Fillman, Lydell; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Charles Fillman.
A memorial gathering with the family receiving friends will be Friday 4 to 7 p.m. in The Labs Funeral Home Inc., 141 Pequea Ave., Honey Brook. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in the memory of Charlie may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia and Southeast Pennsylvania, One Valley Square, 512 Township Line Road, Suite 133, Blue Ball, PA 19422, or www.philadelphia.wish.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Fillman
Sponsored by one of Charlie's many friends.
Alfred Whittington
July 4, 2015
I had been looking to reconnect with people from my childhood. I just found this and am in tears at the loss. I feel like Charlie and I were attaches at the hip when we were about 5. Of all the people I remember from my childhood, Charlie and his family stand out the most. I wish I had gone looking for long lost friends so much sooner. Joe, Addy, Jean and Charles, I am so sorry.
Patty Davis
October 8, 2013
As we approach this time of year I think of Charlie and his big smile more often. My heart goes out to his loving family.
Susan Stapleton
March 17, 2013
Five long years since you so abruptly left us Charlie...and you remain in our hearts every single day. Happy Birthday!
Lauren Voelker
March 8, 2010
There are so many things in life that remind me of Charlie. I believe he was a part of something so much bigger then any of us will ever understand. I am just grateful that I was able to spend so many years with him and share some of the most amazing times together. One could only dream about having a "Charlie" in their life. Love that guy.
Jessica Banks
January 26, 2010
Charlie was always in my heart and will always be- what a wonderful soul. I have yet to meet another like him.
Shannon Sayson
January 18, 2009
I will always remember Charlie as the guy who could always make me smile and get me to talk, since I was the girl who rarely did.
I'll miss his smile and I hope he is at peace and smiling down on all of us.
Susan Stapleton
October 16, 2008
My thoughts are with Charlie's family and friends as we remember him and how much he means to each of us. I know Charlie is in an unimaginably wonderful space (and is making it even more wonderful with his presence!!) - and is also still very much here with each of us.
October 15, 2008
I'm praying for you and remembering.
Mike Burke
November 12, 2007
Charlie always made an impression when you were out with him. He could make you laugh till it hurt on your worst day. His clothing selections always helped him to stand out. His happy-go-lucky attitude was inspiring. He always had something for sale and you always needed it. He was a great friend and will be greatly missed, yet remembered forever by those who met him.
Erin (Harple) Matthews
November 9, 2007
Charlie may not be as far away as we all think. Look for him in a beautiful sunset, a whispy cloudy day, a warm sunny morning. I believe he is there.
Jed Wright
October 28, 2007
I'd like to request that a website link to Charliefillman.com be added to this guest book's navigation column. As per the Reading Eagle's instructions, I've had to post my request here...
"You are welcomed to submit the link to the website in a Guest Book entry. If it meets our posting guidelines we will be happy to post it."
Thanks to "one of Charlie's many friends" in consideration of this.
Brooke Zook
October 27, 2007
Charlie will always remain a positive light in this world. May those who knew him find peace during this confusing time. My sympathies go out to all who knew and loved Charlie.
Jennifer Stapleton
October 24, 2007
Charlie has touched so many lives and I'm incredibly grateful for all of the memories I have with him. He came into my life in 6th grade homeroom. Since then, he has always continued to be one of my closest friends and I miss him dearly. When I think of Charlie, I think of 16 years of countless smiles and laughs, conversations, adventures, a rock during life's tides, countless little moments (he always made sure my guinea pig Oreo had water, we enjoyed eating green grapes together), an accumulation of never ending love and deep friendship. Charlie meant so much to so many and I will always treasure what he's meant to me throughout the years.
To his family and friends, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time and my heart goes out to you.
Tabatha Trolli
October 24, 2007
Charlie was my best friend, long time companion and my favorite person to be around. He could make me smile on even my saddest days.
I am thankful for the many years that I had with Charlie and for what a contribution he made in making me the person I am today. I miss Charlie's laughter and silly songs.
I can't help but feel like this void in my heart will be there forever. I miss Charlie. He was really special and always memorable even if it was your first time meeting him. He was the kind of person anyone would admire. I hope we can all hold on to the laughter and fond memories forever.
Kate Brunner
October 24, 2007
I, too, come from a family who felt they “adopted” Charlie. His gigantic smile, hilarious stories, his ability to eat 4+ servings at any meal, his love, kindness and laughter will always be greatly missed.
Charlie was the ultimate gift giver and he has left us all a lifetime of good memories and great stories that we will treasure and will always make us smile just like Charlie always did.
Charlie’s life was so full- full of love, friends, trash-picked treasures, laughter and adventure. He lived his life with an open heart and big smile. If we can learn anything from this tragic loss, I hope it is to live a little like Charlie. Open our hearts a little more, be better friends, have a few adventures.
To all that knew Charlie, my thoughts and love are with you.
Megan Mast
October 23, 2007
my heart along with many others is in extreme pain over the loss of Charlie. When the Wright/Mast household combined I gained alot of family. Even though his name doesn't match ours he became a brother to me. He was a common sight at our house, makingme smile and laugh everytime words left his mouth. I've often thought over the years, wondering what it/was that made Charlie so incrediable and so comfortable. One thing I know is that I will never stop hearing his ever infectious giggle that I loved so much. I thought so highly of him and hope he is out there knowing how much I appreciate everything he did for me, everything he was, and everything he represented. My thoughts are with you all.
Sara Rusiecki
October 23, 2007
My heart goes out to the Fillman family and all of Charlie's friends. I haven't seen Charlie in about 15 years, but I will never forget the permanent smile on his face. Deepest regrets.
Faye Heffner
October 22, 2007
He was different, He was special, Unique in a thousand ways.
He was funny, He was giving, and we'll miss him all our days.
WE will certianly miss him at Cafe' 110.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Ken & Faye Heffner (Bev's Mother)
Carol Witmer
October 22, 2007
Jean, Charlie, Joe and Addy,
I am thinking of you, praying for you, and remembering with love that delightful young man.
Pat (Wright)Mast
October 21, 2007
Knowing Charlie was an adventure. While we expected the unpredictable from him, we still were constantly surprised by his adventures and the accompanying smile that seemed to say, "Got you again!" Yet even now, knowing Charlie remains an adventure as we absorb the breadth and depth of his unique relationship with so many people. I believe his true job in life was to be a friend. Thanks, Charlie, for showing us how to live!
rick egbert
October 21, 2007
our hearts are with your family in this most difficult time
Sandy (Spatz) Lewis
October 20, 2007
Growing up across the street from the Fillman Family has helped to define who I am as a person. There are so many memories of all of us playing together as kids. It's amazing how they all come flooding back now. Those memories will always remain close to my heart. Little Chas Bo grew up to become a wonderful young man. A part of him will always be with us as we remember him. I know he's watching over us all as a guardian angel.
My thoughts, prayers, and all of my love go out Jeanie, Charlie, Joe, and Addy.
Andy and Julie Mittnacht
October 20, 2007
We are so sorry for your loss. Charlie was a great person and he will be very missed
Jed Wright
October 20, 2007
Charlie and I like many, were as close as brothers can be. Ben and I (and the rest of our family: Amanda, Deb, Kate, Lisa, Justin, Megan, Frank, and Mom/Pat), have all grown up together with him.
He spent many a family vacation with us at the beach, or at Baltimore with our dad and Suzanne (our step-mother who also loved him), as well as countless summers bouncing back and forth between our Mom's house in Morgantown. Likewise, Ben and I, at least in our younger years, were frequent guests at his mother's house.
He was an integral part of our crew at the River (Hidden River Adventures) and at our haunted house (Lizzie's Haunted House); we had countless adventures together.
I am extremely sorry to have not been able to spend this last week with everyone, during this difficult time, but know that my thoughts and prayers (energies) are with you all.
I have set up a website in his honor/memory and welcome everyone to come by and continue sharing their stories on the forum, here:
http://www.charliefillman.com
My love goes out to all the Fillmans.
Chris Papst
October 20, 2007
My prayers and thoughts go out to the Fillman family. Having grown up with Charlie, I know how much he was loved. With the deepest sympathy I send my condolences.
Sandy McCombs Shealy
October 20, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to you all during this difficult time. May the peace that passes all understanding be yours, somehow, some way...
Love to you all,
jamie bare
October 20, 2007
charlie was the nicest guy around and loved by everyone that knew him. my deepest sympathy to his family.
Deb Frey
October 20, 2007
I thought, when I went to the memorial service, that my family was the only one who had "adopted" Charlie. I understand now, not only was I wrong, I was PROFOUNDLY wrong. The amount of people who loved this man is truly amazing and a testament to who he was. His big brother said it best... "Charlie didn't discriminate." He had a smile for everyone and remembering him will always make me smile. I am so sorry for this loss of a son, brother and friend. My prayers are with you.
Jennifer and Gary Ettel
October 19, 2007
We have all been so blessed to have Charlie in our lives. My son JP was one of his very best friends and I always thought they would grow old together. Charlie's been like a family member to us for years and this is so heart breaking. He will be truely missed by so many. God bless his family and everyone who was lucky enough to know and love him.
Katie Fitzgerald
October 19, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss. Charlie was someone everyone could connect to and he always had kind words and advice.
Patricia Bohra
October 19, 2007
To the Family and Friends of Charlie, He'll be missed forever, but you can keep his memories alive by talking about the good times everyone shared with him.
My heart goes out to his parents, as I too know how hard it is to lose a child no matter how old they are..
May God bless you every one, you'll be in my prayers.. and may Charlie be looking down and smiling upon us all..
Marissa McGlone
October 19, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time. I have many wonderful memories of Charlie, many of which are from the Jersey shore and Elk Mountain. I will always remember Addy's "little" brother for his big heart, warm smile, and the love he had for his family.
Michele DeAngelo
October 19, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to Charlie's family and friends. Charlie entered my life as a handyman who could fix anything. I will remember him whenever I look around my house at the things he spent hours fixing for me out of the kindness of his heart. God Bless
Michelle Gehris
October 19, 2007
There are no words to express my sorrow for the devastation and profound loss Charlie's family and friends are feeling. I am heartbroken at the loss of this bright and vibrant young man who touched everyone he came in contact with- no matter how briefly.
Aris DiRodio
October 19, 2007
Charlie was a phenomenal person and he was a dear friend--a truly wonderful soul and I will miss him tremendously. I certainly don’t possess the words to describe how much his passing will affect so many, so deeply.
Todd and Tracy Cloak
October 19, 2007
To the Fillman family...
With the deepest sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lisa Whalen
October 19, 2007
To everyone in the Fillman Family:
Charlie has been a great friend of my brothers, Jed, Ben and Justin, and my sister, Megan, forever. I know they are devastated by his loss. I myself have fond memories of my brothers and Charlie digging tree stumps out of my backyard when they were about 10 or 11 years old in preparation for a patio we later put in. Even then, Charlie was incredibly strong and I worried that someone's skull would be a bit the worse for wear if his ax swung to wide. I am sure you all have many memories like that - and in those memories, he will live on forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Lisa (Wright) Whalen
leann gorman
October 19, 2007
to the fillman family,
charlie was such an incredible person, touching everyone's life who he came in contact with. he will be greatly missed although we will always have humorous memories and stories to keep his spirit alive. my thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of sadness
Janet Messersmith
October 19, 2007
Charlie was such a great friend.. It didn't matter to him if you were 6 or 60. He will be greatly missed for a long time by a great many people.
Katie Roeder
October 19, 2007
My deepest sympathy for Charlie's family and friends. There will not be a day that goes by that he will not echo in your thoughts, words and hearts - he was a remarkable young man. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Kelly McBride
October 19, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Barb Brooks
October 18, 2007
I feel honored to have known this wonderful young man. His memory will live forever in the hearts of those whose lives he touched. I will always see his smiling face in my mind and keep him in my heart. My sincere sorrow for the loss to his family. My thoughts are with you, my friends, at this difficult time.
Missy Herbine
October 18, 2007
Jeanie and family,
There aren't words to express how sorry I am for your loss. I know that Charlie was a very special person and he will be sadly missed.
Lindsay Messner
October 18, 2007
to the Fillman family:
Charlie's smile is something I will never forget. He was an amazing human being and will be missed terribly. I wish you peace and comfort in your time of grief.
Debra Gring Shulman
October 18, 2007
Charlie was truly a special person. I am still in shock upon hearing the news. I loved Charlie and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer McGinn
October 18, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
I have many memories of Charlie growing up and he will be missed greatly. Those memories I will always cherish.
Josie Stoltzfus
October 18, 2007
I got to know Charlie from him lending a helping hand to my brother. He was a unique person that is going to be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family & friends.
Kathy (Hogan) Rapp
October 18, 2007
To the Fillman family - my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your wonderful memories of Charlie bring you comfort in this difficult time.
Carl Martin
October 18, 2007
Fillman Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
-Carl & Heather Martin
Brook Herrmann
October 18, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. God Bless
Susan Stapleton
October 18, 2007
I grieve for a wonderful young man who had his whole life before him, with so many plans, and hopes and dreams. His passing leaves the world a diminished place.
I grieve for his parents as they must continue their lives while coping with the unimaginable horror of losing a child.
I grieve for my daughter, who has lost a dear friend who could always make her laugh, and who was always there when she needed him.
I grieve for my family, and for myself. We have all considered Charlie a member of our family, and have valued and loved him enormously. It was impossible to know Charlie without loving him.
And I grieve for each of you – who have known and loved Charlie in so many different ways, and who will always have an empty space in your life that he once filled.
Charlies's family and friends are in my heart and prayers.
David &Lynette Bittner
October 18, 2007
Our thoughts and prayes go out to you and your family
Kate & Jason Blitzstein
October 18, 2007
No words can express the sadness we feel over Charlie's passing. Charlie was a great guy, like no other friend in the world. He managed to bring together people from all walks of life. There was never a dull moment with Charlie around. I'll miss his kind heart, warm hugs and loyal friendship.
All of our Love,
Katie & Jason
Julie Lehman
October 18, 2007
To the Fillman family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Charlie will be greatly missed. He left us all with beautiful memories. I am praying for you.
Love, Julie (Godown) Lehman
Jeannie McCardle
October 18, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Patti Docker-Ford
October 18, 2007
There is no one who ever met Charley who didn't love him. He was "One of a Kind".....a true Renaissance Man. The world was a much better place with him in it. He leaves a hole in our hearts that can't be filled. Patti Docker-Ford, Morgantown, PA
Nichole Phillips
October 18, 2007
Charlie was my brother, JP Ettel's, best friend, as well as a surrogate son to our parents, Gary and Jennifer. He was very important to our family. His death left such an impact on us, but his life left a bigger one. He was the most pleasant, generous, thoughtful and fun person I've known. My husband, Mike, and I will certainly miss seeing him frisbee discing at French Creek,(trash bag in hand, of course), with that big, sweet smile of his.
Charlie, you are loved and missed.
Gary Harsel
October 18, 2007
WE WILL MISS YOU!!
October 18, 2007
Charlie I love you and will miss you forever,
tyson and alexis weise
October 18, 2007
the fillman family is our thoughts and prayers
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