Robert J. Charlesworth

1937 - 2025

Robert J. Charlesworth OCDS, 88, of Murphy, born into eternal life Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, in the arms of his beloved wife, Ruth, and grandson, Myles, at their residence.
He was a native of Bronx, New York, and graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School, and later graduated from Fordham University. Robert attended Archdiocesan Catachetical Institute in Yonkers, New York. He graduated the ministerial program in Burlington, Vermont.
Robert taught and instructed religious education for many years and opened the door to Catholism to many throughout his life. Robert was fully professed member of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites Seculors (OCDS), and belonged to the community of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Colchester, Vermont, and later our Lady of the Rosary community in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Robert began his career in 1965 working for over 30 years until retiring from a management IBM position in 1998.
Robert enjoyed music, singing with the Welch Chorale in New York. He was an avid wood worker who built many beautiful pieces of furniture. Robert was a man of deep faith and loving the Lord, a true inspiration.
He was the son of the late Ferris Hirst and Theresa Veronica Frank Charlesworth. He was also preceded in death by a son, Col. Robert Frances Charlesworth, United States Army; and one sister, Mary Theresa Hogan; and a brother, John Henry Charlesworth.
Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Ruth Kempsey Charlesworth; daughter, Ruth Ann Randall and husband Thomas of Feurabush, New York; and grandchildren, Timothy Cronin and wife Christie, Michael Cronin and wife Meghan, Joseph Cronin and wife Abbey; step-granddaughter, Brooke Haley and husband Michael; and great-grandchildren, Riley, Thomas, Emelia and Nora; daughter, Nancy Jean Cronin and husband Brian of Newtown, Connecticut; and grandchildren, Allison Bankaitis and husband Scott, Andrew Cronin and wife Brittany, Thomas Cronin and wife Christie; and great -grandchildren, Liam, Evan and Bennett; late son, Col. Robert Frances Charlesworth and grandchildren, Myles Charlesworth and Martin Charlesworth; step-granddaughter, Morgan Hull; a brother, Myles Charlesworth of Cary, North Carolina.
A funeral mass was held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hayesville with Father Augustine Ogar officiating. A luncheon followed in Sister Terry Hall.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at New Mount Calvary Cemetery with Monsignor Peter Routhier officiating.
The family received friends from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Ivie Funeral Home in Murphy.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhome.com.