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HOUNCHELL, Charlie The life and times of Charles Hounchell, a well-loved local resident who made friends around the world, will be celebrated in St. Petersburg and Tampa this week. Charlie, as he was known by most, was an attorney, real estate and business entrepreneur, and a committed community activist. He died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, while visiting New York City. He was 53. Born in St. Petersburg, Hounchell graduated from Lakewood High School before earning degrees from George Washington University, Middlebury College and the University of Florida College of Law. During his school years he traveled internationally with the Up With People musical entertainment group. Later he was a member of the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. He spoke three languages and lived in five different countries where he enjoyed a successful international modeling career before returning and settling permanently in Tampa Bay. Hounchell worked as an assistant state attorney in Pinellas County before entering private practice, eventually serving as founding partner in Florida Property Law, LLC, in Tampa. He also founded and operated Zeneks, a medical cost containment company, owned a title company, and with his life partner, Stephen Gay, was half of one of Smith & Associates's top producing real estate teams in recent years. With his closest friends he also owned and operated Casa Nova, a home furnishing store located on Bay to Bay Boulevard in Tampa. Hounchell was most deeply committed to the arts and community assistance programs. He served as a board chairman for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and The Spring of Tampa Bay. He was on the boards of Equality Florida, Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Earth Charter Communities USA, and the Tampa Bay Business for Culture and the Arts. With the latter he created a scholarship program that rewarded local high school students for their artistic pursuits. Hounchell was a graduate of The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Leadership Tampa program and served on the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition's Florida Advisory Committee. Hounchell was the son of the late Dr. Paul Hounchell and predeceased by his sister, Anne. In addition to partner Stephen Gay and former wife Barbara Lynch, he is survived by his mother, Helen; and brother, Steve; along with nephew, Chris Hounchell and niece Heather Tokotch. Services will be held at 2 pm today, Feb.21, in St. Petersburg at the Pasadena Community Church at 227 70th Street South. Tomorrow, Feb. 22, a celebration of Charlie Hounchell will be held from 5-9 pm at the Tampa Museum of Art, 120 West Gasparilla Plaza. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the High School Art Stars Scholarship fund. Please send payments to TBBCA, P.O. Box 559, Tampa, FL 33601 with the note in memory of Charlie.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Charlie was the rare person who, once met, would change your life forever. He did mine, as a young law student at UF, where he became one of my best friends. He proved to be the perfect model of joie de vivre and focus, approaching everything he chose to do with passion and style. He was truly a man for all seasons. I'm honored to be part of his community of friends and colleagues. To Stephen, Barbara, and the Hounchell family: he was loved, he will be missed always, and I treasure the time I had with him.
Suzanne Solomon
February 26, 2013
Charlie touched so many peoples lives. He was one of the most caring people I know. His smile and laughter were a constant that will be forever missed. Rest in peace my friend. Until we meet again!
Jolene Plourde
February 23, 2013
"You've been talking in your sleep..." I'll miss you always...
Gina Flores
February 23, 2013
I have such fond memories of Charlie's warm, playful and generous nature. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Liz Lees
February 22, 2013
I remember Charlie from my Lakewood days. We were kids together. Reunited during high school days. I always was fond of him and knew he was special. I have thought of him often over the years. My best to all his family and loved ones.
John Thompson
February 22, 2013
I knew Charlie during our young school years, and during high school, sang in Spartones with him - what a blast we had then. To have seen what an accomplished man he turned out to be is wonderful. I wish Stephen and Barbara peace and God's light in their lives now and forever. God Bless you Charlie.
Sandy Schmidt
February 22, 2013
Charlie was a great friend of mine and I am a better person for having known him.
Sheri Jo Bentschner
February 22, 2013
Charlie it was meant for us to laugh hearty that night, it was meant for me to sit on the EQFL Committee with you. I was blessed to have known you, and you will be missed greatly by me and so many who adored you. Many prayers support to Stephen and your family. Your legacy will live on and your smile never forgotten!
Portia Weiss
February 22, 2013
There are so many words to write about Charlie. And then there are none -- like so many others, I feel so devastated by the sudden loss of Charlie. He has inspired me for a lifetime. He had accomplished so much and yet was so humble and unpretentious. He instantly put a smile on my face when he'd walk into a room as whatever was happening just became infinitely more fun and interesting because Charlie had arrived. He encompassed what it is to be human, to truly live -- through his childlike enthusiasm for life, learning, adventure, and most of all his genuine interest, compassion, and love for other people.
Kerry Garvin
February 21, 2013
I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences on the death of our dear friend Charlie. Words seem inadequate at a time like this yet my thoughts and prayers are with Stephen, Barbara and Charlie's family. He will be missed.
Stephanie C. Gibson
February 21, 2013
Charlie always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. He will be missed.
Michele Sukkariyyah
February 21, 2013
Charlie, miss you deeply. I feel fortunate you know what you mean to mean,....your spirit will live within me forever,...
February 21, 2013
Will miss his smile and enthusiasm. As a lawyer, all he did was to help people and did it with a very personal touch. I am truly sorry for everybody's loss and especially to Barbara, Stephen and his family.
Chip Merlin
February 21, 2013
Charlie called me when he heard about a trying time I was going through. He stayed on the phone until he knew I was O.K. That's Charlie
He was also a blast to hang out with. I'm remembering New Years Eve 1989 and he and Barbara having to catch a flight with no sleep and covered in paint.
My sympathy to the Hounchell family and all of us.
Paul Falcone
February 21, 2013
With our most sincere condolences to Stephen and the Hounchell Family. Charlie was dearly loved, always a beautiful smile and kind words. We share in your loss. With Sympathy, Rick Glance & Bob Mellerup
Rick Glance
February 21, 2013
We want to add to the light Charlie brought to so many!
B And Jim Armstrong
February 21, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Hounchell family.
Jane Wynnick Branham
February 21, 2013
We express sincere sympathy for the loss of Charlie, most especially to Steven, his mother, and his closest friends and family! His life contributions are monumental, his impact- amazing! We all grieve his untimely passing. He was always dear and kind to me! He achieved more in his 53 years than most of us ever do! God's grace and healing is now our wish for those of you who now carry the torch! Please, if we can ever help in anyway...call! B and Jim Armstrong
B / Jim Armstrong
February 21, 2013
Charlie was a contagiously joyful, loving, and energetic powerhouse. We loved knowing him, spending time with him, and laughing with him. We are thankful for having had him in our lives ... even though it seems like the time was way too short. We will think of you often and with much love, Charlie.
Lisa and Jeff Unger
February 21, 2013
Our heartfelt prayers and thoughts to Charlie's loved ones. We were blessed to have known Charlie - his enthusiasm, humor and compassion. LT 2006.
Nagi Kumar
February 21, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. I knew Charlie for several years, and he was a wonderful person, always kind to everyone. I will really miss him.
Felita Fabricius
February 21, 2013
Steve, we are so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. We love you, Dale and Gina Engerer
Gina Engerer
February 21, 2013
We were so furtunate to have Charlie in our lives. It is hard to let him go, but he has made me a better person and that is something i will never let go of. Forever in our hearts he will always be.
sandra saladrigas
February 21, 2013
I attended Lakewood High with Steve and was so sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. My prayers and condolences go out to the Hounchell family and all who love and care about them.
Denise Kurt
February 21, 2013
When Charlie looked at you, he really saw you. He celebrated you. He smiled at you, and his smile made you feel known. He made this world a better place. He will be missed.
Jen Smith
February 21, 2013
Charlie and I taught swimming together in the '70's and what a fun time we had! He was always such a joy to be around. Godspeed my friend.
Ann Maddox
February 21, 2013
If there truly is a God who keeps track of the good we do and the love we share, calling us home when our work on this earth is through, it's no wonder that Charlie left us so soon. He dedicated himself tirelessly to helping others and serving causes that he knew were worthy of his help, whether they personally affected him or not. Above all, he was a true champion for equality. Charlie never sought glory or recognition, he just always knew the right thing to do and he did it, leading by example. He was one of the most giving, caring people that I have ever had the privilege to call my friend and I will miss him always.
Bryan Farris
February 21, 2013
If you knew Charlie, then you know the joy and enthusiasm he brought to this community. While his work here will live on, we will so miss hearing his voice and his smiling face...
Ron Haynes
February 21, 2013
One of my last cherished memories of Charlie was us simply breathing together on our yoga mats. I continue to breathe with your spirit brother.
justin rockett
February 21, 2013
Here's to a beautiful life. I know your spirit will live on through your family and friends.
Erin Sapienza
February 21, 2013
I will remember Chuck for his friendship, infectious laughter, and his love of life! A very sad time for all who had the pleasure of crossing his path.
Brian Bibbee
February 21, 2013
Charlie was and will always be one of a kind. Beautiful. Irreplaceable. Words cannot describe the gaping hole he leaves behind. Stephen my heart is heavy for you especially.
Bill Bone
February 21, 2013
Charlie was a very accomplished man who always had a smile on his face. He so enjoyed life and my prayers and peace go out to his family, Stephen, and Barbara.
Barbara Anderson
February 20, 2013
Charlie,
It was great to know you for the past 16 years. I appreciate all the times you were there for me. You wil be truly missed
Scott Newberger
February 20, 2013
I am so fortunate to have known you. I learned so much from you and will try even harder to practice those things in my own life.
Denise Carlin
February 20, 2013
Charlie will never be forgotten. It's so hard to believe that he is gone. I wish his partner Stephen and family all the best in their time of sorrow. He was a remarkable human being.
Steve Page
February 20, 2013
Since we met in 2006, Charlie was always a source of leadership and inspiration to me. I was blessed to have met him and wish his partner and family solace in this time of grief.
Orlando Nieves
February 20, 2013
It was a pleasure to serve with you on the Board of the Tampa Crisis Center. You certainly made people proud to know they were associated with you. Our sympathies to your partner and your family.
Bronwyne Bruwer
February 20, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Laura McCall
February 20, 2013
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