Dr. Charles A. Depfer

Dr. Charles A. Depfer, DO

AGE: 81 • Hockessin

Charles A. Depfer, D.O., age 81, of Hockessin, formerly of Wilmington, died September 8, 2016.

Charlie was born in York, PA to the late Dorothy and Ed Depfer. He graduated from York HS and York College and went on to attend medical school at PCOM in Philadelphia, earning his degree in 1955. He completed his Residency at Riverside Hospital in 1956, and completed a Residency in Anesthesiology in 1958, but returned to his first love, Family Practice, until his retirement in 2010. In addition to Christiana Care and St. Francis, Charlie was a staff member at Riverside where he served in numerous positions such as Chief of Staff, Co-Director of the Residency Program and President of DSOMS. He also served as the President of the DE Division Cancer Society, and was a long time member of the Delaware State Medical Society.

Charlie was very active in numerous organizations. He joined the Masonic Fraternity in 1966, Lafayette Lodge #14 and served as Commander of the St. John's Commandery #1, Knights Templar in 1987, and Grand Commander of Knights Templar of DE in 2006. Charlie was the Thrice Potent Master of the Lodge of Perfection in 1972 and Commander in Chief of the Consistery in 1982. Aided by a near photographic memory he was an excellent ritualist. For his significant contributions he was coroneted an honorary 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason in 1982. He was a 20 year member of the Nur Shrine, and was a member of the Knight Commander in the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, a non-Masonic Order of Knights Templar. He was a member of the Osher Academy of Lifelong Learning, where he participated as an instructor of medical series. Charlie joined Rotary International in 1995 and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was president of the Rotary Club of Brandywine Hundred 2005/2006. During his presidency he instituted the donation of books to Foster Grandparents to recognize the club's guest speakers each week. The club has been recognized by Foster Grandparents over the years at their annual luncheon as a long-time supporter of this project. Charlie was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where he served 2 terms each as Deacon and Session member and participated in Westminster by Heart. In his spare time he enjoyed University of Delaware Football, a season ticket holder since 1987, and loved spending time at his vacation home in Duck, NC.

Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Linda Green Depfer; 6 children Cynthia Crane (David), Jeffrey Depfer (Jamie), Deborah Wilson (Richard), Michael Blackway (Jeannie), Cynthia Wise, and Jeffrey Blackway (Patrice); 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and nephew Greg Noss. He was predeceased by his only sibling, Nancy Noss in the spring.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 1 at 2 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th St., Wilmington, DE 19806. The family will greet friends at a memorial tea in the fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in Charlie's name to Westminster Presbyterian Church or the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Phila. PA 19106.

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