Charleston, South Carolina
CHARLES, SR., Dennis Dennis John Charles, Sr., beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully at home in Charleston, SC on December 12, 2008, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Family and friends are invited to attend the Rosary and Vigil Service followed by visitation on Sunday, December 14, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. at the Church of the Nativity on James Island. A Requiem Mass will be offered on Monday, December 15, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Nativity followed by the Rite of Committal at Holy Cross Cemetery. Mr. Charles was born in Brooklyn, NY, on May 4, 1953, to Thomas Joseph Charles, Jr. and Anne Marie Farrell Charles. He was a graduate of St. Pius X Catholic Elementary School and Norfolk Catholic High School. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Machinery Repair Person aboard the U.S.S. Forrest Sherman (DD-931) and the U.S.S. McDonough (DDG-39). He was employed by British Petroleum America (formerly Amoco Chemicals) for 29 years and was a member of the Church of the Nativity. Dennis leaves his loving wife of 32 years, Laurine Therese Allison Charles, son Dennis John Charles, Jr. (Goose Creek, SC), daughter Katherine Therese Charles (Mt. Pleasant, SC), brother Thomas Joseph Charles, III (Michelle, Anderson, SC), sister Julia Anne Charles Vaher (Elmar, New York, NY), nephews David Cherney Charles (Charleston, SC), William Charles Vaher (New York, NY), Michael Joseph Allison, Jr. (Ft. Washington, MD), Walter Raymond Allison, Jr. (Lanham, MD), Joshua Bruce Allison (Davidsonville, MD), Ryan James Allison (Davidsonville, MD), and Andrew K. Harrington (St. Joseph, MI); nieces Sarah Pauline Charles (Princeton, NJ), Karen Decena Charles (Goose Creek, SC), Stephanie Dawn Allison (Columbia, MD), Jennifer Hash (Lanham, MD), Erin Hash (Lanham, MD), and Jacklynn Allison Haney (Greg, Ramstein AFB, DE); and great-nieces Sydney Decena Charles (Goose Creek, SC), Elizabeth Rose Allison (Columbia, MD), and Kayla Marie Haney (Ramstein AFB, DE). He was pre-deceased by his parents and granddaughter Katelyn Marie Charles. He was a friend of Bill W. for 35 years. All who knew Dennis agreed that he was the most loved and loving man they knew. He will be sadly missed by many. Dennis wanted everyone to know that he was a man of simple faith. As a child, he would say hello to God by opening the church doors and waving to the tabernacle candle. His goal in life was to help everyone he met to carry their cross or to wipe their face, as did Veronica on the Way of the Cross. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Crisis Ministries, 573 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29403. Funeral arrangements are by the JAMES A. MCALISTER FUNERAL HOME, 1620 Savannah Hwy. Charleston, 766-1365. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.
Laurie and family
I was a Navy shipmate of Dennis's over 30 years ago.After reading the preceding entries,it is obvious he never changed.He was a caring,thoughtful man of faith.He influenced my life in many ways I still carry with me,I see I'm not alone in that.I was honored to have rehooked with him in recent years via the internet.I will miss him again as I did before we reconnected.My condolences.
Bruce Lafleur
December 30, 2008 | Swansea, MA
Although I barely knew Dennis from high school, the comments tell me he lived a good life. After all is said and done, all we leave behind are memories and Dennis left many. A great quote that I find very true is "The one you love is no longer where he was. He is wherever you are."
Greg Lonergan
December 26, 2008 | Virginia Beach, VA
Dear Laurie and Charles Family,
It's hard for me to imagine a world without Dennis Charles, He's been a dear friend since Norfolk Catholic High School and has had a special place in my heart. It's been so much fun to see him and Laurie at class reunions, and I will miss him. He had a special gift for enjoying people and always had a positive view of life. My love and thoughts are with you all.
Maureen Roe Cooper
December 24, 2008 | Richmond, VA
Laurie, Katie and Dennis Jr. and Family,
I have had the honor of being your Insurance Agent for many years. I will miss Dennis dearly, his warm smile and humor. God is seeing that now. You are in my prayers and thoughts. I am here always for any need you have, if only to talk. Look to the stars this Holiday, Dennis will be the brightest one.......
God Bless.....Lynn Ragland and Family
Lynn Ragland
December 22, 2008 | Summerville, SC
Dear Charles Family,
I went to grade school and high school with Dennis and never met such a sincere, loving, wonderful man.
Your family are in my thoughts are prayers.
Denise Jessop
Denise Jessop
December 22, 2008 | Virginia Beach, VA
My love and prayers go out to all of you during this sad time. I was a grade school and high school classmate of Dennis. I hadn't seen in a very long time but had heard about what a wonderful person he was. Please know that there will come a day when you will know that Dennis's spirit will always be with you, swirling around you, caring for you and loving you. In some ways that love will shine brighter and stronger.
Blessings to you,
Virginia
Virginia (Diaz) Gerber
December 22, 2008 | Hemet, CA
Laurie,
I was so sorry to hear about Dennis. Our hearts are with you and the family. It's been so long since we've seen each other, but our friendship was always special to me. With deepest sympathy,
Jo Anne and Jim
Jo Anne & Jim Jacobs
December 20, 2008 | Charleston, SC
Julie and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. There are so many people sharing your grief and wrapping their hearts around you in the hopes of making each new day a little bit easier for you. It's going to take a long time, but know that you are not alone.
Nancy Garrett
December 18, 2008 | Yorktown, VA
Katie,
I am so very sorry to hear about this. I wish I hadn't just found out today or I would have been there. My mom told me about running into you that day at the hospital and that he was not doing well. Please don't hesitate to let us know if you need anything at all. I know it has been a really long time, but I'm still right where I was then.
Ashley Townsend
December 17, 2008 | Charleston, SC
