Name: Viewing for Charles J. "Charlie" Elia
Start: 2021-01-20T15:15:00.000Z
End: 2021-01-20T16:00:00.000Z
Location: Our Lady of Hope Parish / St/ Agnes Church

Charles J. "Charlie" Elia

Gloucester Township - Charles J. Elia, age 72, of Gloucester Township, NJ, entered his heavenly home on January 13 th, 2021. He is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Pat (nee Finley), and daughters Kristin Magee (Michael) and Kate Kohri (Michael). The loves of his life, his precious grandchildren, Claire Magee, Ryan Kohri, Brendan Magee, Sean Kohri, and Megan Magee. He is also survived by his sisters Patricia McQuillin (Joseph) and the late Anita Cantor (the late Ronald). He was like a brother to his sisters in law, Maureen Finley, Regina Finley, Kate Finley, and Eileen Finley. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a sonarman. He was a graduate of LaSalle University. His career spanned many years in IT as a manager. He retired from PMA group. He was a true family man in all stages of his life. Family first in everything. Charlie was always the "family go-to person" for solving problems. Compassion, kindness, and love were the goals of his life journey. He dedicated many years to coaching youth teams. His TBAA Strikers '80 team had a special place in his heart.

His sense of humor and wit were enjoyed by family and friends alike. Charlie enjoyed retirement to its fullest. Traveling was a passion of his, especially European River Cruises, Ireland, Portugal, Newfoundland and many National Parks in Canada and the U.S. He loved family vacations to Disney, Hilton Head, and the Jersey shore. He especially enjoyed his 70 th birthday family vacation in Cancun with the gang. He developed a love of country music and Nashville became a favorite spot during CMA Fest.

He was a huge Villanova Wildcats Basketball fan. His lifelong love of model trains was shared with his grandchildren, producing hours of family bonding time with Pop. He enjoyed spending weekends traveling from field to field watching his grandchildren play soccer, baseball, flag football, and basketball.

His favorite place was Siesta Key, FL. He thoroughly enjoyed wintering there for the last ten years. He always told people what a special place it was and highly recommended it as a laid back, fun filled retreat.

Special thanks to our niece, Dr. Patti Roth, for her kindness, concern, and care during her uncle's illness. We are forever grateful. And to the doctors and nurses of Jefferson Hospital (Washington Twp. Div.), we thank you for your help and compassion during Charlie's hospital stay and his final days.

Viewing will be Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 10:15 AM to 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Hope Parish / St/ Agnes Church, 701 Little Gloucester Road, Blackwood, NJ, where his Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 AM. Facial coverings and social distancing will be enforced.

Live stream of the Mass begins at 11:00 AM on 1/20/21 at the following link https://portal.midweststreams.com/services/watch/gaiL65F24W

Urn entombment at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, NJ, will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie's memory may be made to Cathedral Soup Kitchen, 1514 Federal Street, Camden, NJ 08105 or to Our Lady of Hope Parish, 701 Little Gloucester Road, Blackwood, NJ 08012. Condolences may be shared at www.earlefuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Courier Post from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Elia

Sponsored by Earle Funeral Home - Blackwood.

12 Entries

Denise Bennett

February 1, 2021

Dear Pat, Kristin, Katie & families,
You have all been in our prayers since we heard of your loss. Charlie was such a good neighbor and friend since 1976 when we moved into our Broadmoor home. Then after retirement, Charlie related to us the best location to visit in Florida- Siesta Key. We have been sharing the beautiful weather and Happy Hours with Charlie & Pat for the last 9 years. Charlie was such a great guy- we are going to miss his smile and wonderful stories.
Love & sympathy to all on your tragic loss,
Ken and Denise Bennett

Donna Glestein

January 21, 2021

Dear Pat, Kristen, Kate and the Elia & Finley families,
Life will be different for everyone with the loss of Chalie. I pray that some day soon you will find the memories that you cherish will bring a smile to your faces. What a lifetime of wonderful memories you will carry with you. Chalie certainly was a rock to all of you, I always considered him as the big brother to all of Patty’s sisters. Peace to all of you. Prayers for all of you.
Donna (McNulty) Glestein & family

Laura Rupp

January 19, 2021

Mr. Elia, I feel so blessed to have such a strong friendship with Kate. I will cherish all the wonderful memories of you and Mrs. Elia taking us out for dinners and the good times spent together at the Jersey Shore. Thank you for always making me feel part of your family. I laugh thinking about how you would always change your voice and accent when referring to "north" jersey, the congested part of the state. The best part of making the trip south was to see Kate and your family.

Mrs. Elia, Kate & Mike, & Kristin & Magee, my heart breaks for all of you. Your dad's patience, kindness and loving heart has made this world a better place. May his wisdom, life lessons, and smile stay with you always. His amazing qualities are in all of his grandchildren who will miss him dearly. May you find comfort in all the special memories you have made as a family. Rest in peace, Mr. Elia.

Joe Roslyn and Amy LaGrossa

January 19, 2021

We are sadden to hear about your Husban and father

Sorry to hear of your Husband and Father’s passing .
Happy memories of watching Kristan playing for Our Lady of Grace basketball team. God bless You and Your Family

Jim Klotz

January 19, 2021

The description of Charlie is spot on from my knowing him. What I can add as his former colleague is the tremendous person and impact he had at PMA. I relied heavily on Charlie while at PMA and he never disappointed. He was so professional he made others better. He left behind a very capable team. You had to watch for the twinkle in his eye to know when the joke had just been made. When he retired he had left me and PMA in a better place.

Dave Mollick

January 19, 2021

I worked with Charlie for about 10 years. Charlie was a good friend and a great mentor. Charlie lead by example and I tried to pick up all I could from him while he was at PMA. We would always have a laugh or two every time we'd meet. Miss those times. Sending prayers to Pat and the family.

Jack Weyant

January 19, 2021

Charlie was a great friend and manager may he rest in peace - God bless his family...You are in my prayers

Patty Tucker

January 18, 2021

What a great couple. We enjoyed Charlie’s humor as we just met him at Siesta Key a couple years ago. Prayers to Pat and family. Patty and Larry Tucker from Dayton , Oh.

Lisa Sterner

January 18, 2021

I worked with Charlie for ten years at PMA. He was an amazing mentor and friend. Charlie was deeply respected by the IT staff, and was a true leader. Most of all Charlie made me laugh each meeting held. He was kind hearted, down to earth, and I’m so fortunate our paths had crossed in my career. My deepest condolences to his family, keeping you all in my prayers.

Paul & Thresa Sadowniczak

January 17, 2021

You'll be missed. Your family will take care of each other.

Nancy & Gary Seigle

January 17, 2021

So sorry for your loss.

Tony Stonis

January 17, 2021

Charlie and I shared many conversations together while his partner, Pat, and mine, Kate, (sisters) were off doing whatever sisters do together. Fortunately, Charlie and I saw things similarly when it came to politics, the Philadelphia Eagles, current news, etc. This meant that we just ending up complaining to one another, but, of course, nothing changed. However, we did get a lot of things off our chests. I was blessed to be included in the Elia Christmas Eve festivities a few times, and there was no better visual of Charlie as the great patriarch of his extended family. As the cliche goes, when you go to the dictionary for the words "father" or "grandfather", Charlie's picture should be there. One of the puzzles of life is why such a good man was taken so early.

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