Charles A. Conwell, Sr.

Charles A. Conwell, Sr., passed away on February 1, 2023. He was 83.  Charlie died peacefully surrounded by his family. He left a lifelong legacy devoted to God, family, friends and hobbies. He will be missed by all.

Born in Philadelphia, PA on June 29, 1939, Charlie grew up in Wynnewood, PA. He attended Waldron Academy, Malvern Prep, Lower Merion High School, Trade School for Plumbing, Villanova University and Villanova Law School.

He met the love of his life, Diane, at 14 years old, and they were married just a week out of high school. The secret to their romance was holding hands, nightly candlelight dinners and Roses are Red poems. Charlie and Diane’s love story lasted 62 years!

Charlie had two careers. He was a master plumber and owned his own companies. He was so passionate about plumbing that he taught future plumbers how to open and operate their own business at Delaware County Community College. His second career was in commercial property management. He was a past President of the BOMA association and a lifelong member. Charlie’s final career led him to the Flynn Company. He retired on his 83rd birthday!

He loved his hobbies and had many in his lifetime. Charlie was passionate about his country. He loved to ski, he was a member of the national ski patrol and a ski instructor. He went to night school to learn how to be a stand-up comedian and debuted at the Chestnut Street Cabaret. He enjoyed golf and backgammon with the boys at the club. He was an avid gardener. As he aged, his hobbies became more refined. He mastered the pizzelle iron and made hundreds of cookies every Christmas for friends and family. For his 60th birthday he took up the violin. He held concerts with the Conwell children every Christmas and even played Ave Maria at a few family weddings. His violin playing was by far his most challenging pursuit, but he never gave up! He followed his heart and interests and lived life to the fullest.

For the last 30 years of his life he decided to stop drinking and joined AA. He was most proud of this accomplishment and devoted his fourth quarter of life to sharing his journey. He started a Saturday morning “club” and touched many people struggling with addiction. He was a great mentor and encouraged everyone who wanted to be sober to hang in there, one day at a time. He practiced what he preached and truly loved this part of his life. This became his job, hobby and life calling.

With so many hobbies, he never lost sight of his faith in God. Charlie went to Mass daily. This was his greatest legacy that he left to his family.

He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph S. and Jane Conwell (Riley), his loving wife of 62 years Diane (deLuca), his brother Joseph and his wife, Virginia (Cahill). His son James, who died just 2 days after him. He is survived by his sister MaryJane Ostertag, his children Charles Jr (Deirdre McGreal), Cathleen McErlean (Joseph), Amy. His 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, and his little dog, Pumpkin.

Relatives and friends are invited to join us in an extra special DOUBLE Celebration of Life for Charlie and his son, Jim. Services will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church, 31 Pennswood Rd., Bryn Mawr, Pa Visitation 10:15- 11:00 AM (in church) and Mass 11:00 AM. Interment at Calvary Cemetery immediately following service.

**For those unable to attend the Funeral Mass, it will be livestreamed from the Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish website:  Live Streaming - Mass - Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish - Bryn Mawr, PA (omgcparish.org)

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Online: T2T.org By mail: 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 or call: 718-987-1931