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Charles Charles Obituary
Charles Chinky Charles was born on May 19, 1923 in Bath, Pennsylvania, the second son of Isaac and Minnie (Skaff) Charles. During World War II, he served as an Army combat engineer in the Mediterranian and European theaters of operation, for which he received four Combat Stars. Upon returning home, he earned his Veterans high school diploma and worked as an ironworker on the Allentown School District Stadium, the Allentown Hospital, the Allentown Police Academy and pistol range and other well known sites in Pennsylvania. He was an undefeated amateur boxer and signed a contract to play semi-professional football with the Wilkes-Barre Barons. On October 31, 1948, he married Laura Slyman, his wife of 57 years last October. On July 2, 1952, he joined the Allentown Police Force. He was promoted to detective in January 1956 and he served as a personal bodyguard to presidents John F. Kennedy, Richard M. Nixon and Lyndon B. Johnson on their visits to Allentown. In August 1961, he was promoted to platoon captain for the city of Allentown by the late mayor, Jack Gross. In 1968, he graduated at the top of his class from the University of Louisville, Southern Police Institute. He was a graduate of the FBI National Academy and also the Inter County Detective School. In January 1974, he was named assistant chief of police and he served as acting chief of police, from December 1977 through May 1978. In 1982, he was awarded the Purple Heart and a commendation for his bravery and leadership after being shot during a hostage crisis on the citys east side. He served as an assistant chief of police, from May 1978 until his retirement in February 1986. In 1986, he was named Man of the Year by the members of the Lehigh Law Enforcement Officers Association. He served terms as a member of St. George Antiochian Church Parish Council, form the early 1950s until 1891 and had remained a church cantor until October of 2004. On October 24, 2004, he was honored by St. George with a certificate for his 50 years of service and he also received a National Certificate of Meritorious Service from the Antiochian Christian Archdiocese of North America. From the Fraternal Order of Police Queen City Lodge, he received an appreciation award for service to his community and his faith. He received a citation and letter of commendation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for his long commitment to service. He was the first Allentonian installed in the National Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch in April of 1990. This is the highest Philanthropic Order in the Antiochian Archdiocese of North and South America. He was co-founder of the Allentown Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union. In March 2005, he was honored for 50 years of service. Survivors: With his wife, Laura, are sons, Atty, Frederick E. and his wife, Denise A., of Lower Macungie Township and Atty. Dennis G. of Allentown. He was predeceased by a grandson, Ian N. Sellers. Services: will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 15 in St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1011 Catasauqua Ave., Allentown. Calling hours will be from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday and 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the church. The ODonnell Funeral Home, Allentown, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the church.
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Charles
Ann Mulqueen
March 20, 2006
Mrs.Charles,your husband was one of my favorite people.I always enjoyed seeing him when he came to The Heart Care Group during the many years I worked there.He will be missed by so many people.He certainly went through so much during the last few years. You have my sincere sympathy,
Sahar
March 18, 2006
Gido "Chinky":
May God have mercy on your loving, sweet, and gentle soul.
There was never a Sunday that I never saw you at Church and reading the Epistles so happy and full of faith. And as I remember when I was little, you would always give me candy and a hug. Wow, we certainly miss you gido Chinky. But we know you are up there, with our Creator, Savior, and Protector, whom is God and all who know you know how much you loved Him and served Him without once stopping and doubting Him. Once again may our Lord and Savior have mercy on your soul, gido Chinky. See you later.
Carolyn Abraham
March 17, 2006
To the Family of Allentown's "Chinky":
I will always have fond memories of a safe, carefree childhood with our Chinky. The man who always looked after the kids from the neighborhood. He never hesitated to send us running home if he felt we needed to get home...now! And, we went home! Thanks for the memories and the security of just knowing you were there, somewhere around the corner. My deepest thanks. With love, Carolyn Abraham. Daughter of the late Alice and Isaac Abraham.
Patricia Aeed
March 16, 2006
Our family has always remembered Chinky through the years and it was with great admiration & respect.
Sumer Aeed
March 15, 2006
Our thoughts and and prayers are with all of you. I too grew up on wonderful stories from my Father George Aeed regarding Charles. Much love, Sumer Aeed (Hughes)
esther azar
March 15, 2006
to the entire charles family:
our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of great sorrow. may God comfort you and give you strength at this most difficult time. uncle chinky will live forever in the hearts of all who know and love him!
uncle chinky:
we will always remember your sweet smile and loving ways. you are a true gentle man and you will be missed dearly! growing up, our parents used to scare us when we were bad by saying, "uncle chinky is gonna come and arrest you if you're bad." i think it worked...but we found out as we got older that you were nothing to be afraid of...not sweet uncle chinky!
rest peacefully, dear man...and give our mom and dad a big hug when you get to heaven!
God bless you all.
love:
the azar family
Rehab Tabchi
March 15, 2006
The Man in Front
By Rehab Tabchi
Every week in church,
You were always there,
Standing in front of us,
With a voice so fair.
A voice so beautiful and sweet,
To the Lord you gave praise,
Chanting and reading the Epistle,
As we heard and gazed.
A true gentleman indeed,
God’s miracle on earth,
Always spreading forth your love,
Leaving no room for dearth.
Your warmth we felt
With each kiss you gave,
On both cheeks as is our custom,
Two kisses always saved.
Visiting us at our home,
Always on Simon’s side,
Rooting for the Cowboys,
As football his pride.
Like a grandfather to us all,
Telling me stories from days old,
Proud of your Syrian Orthodox culture,
Which you they helped mold.
Created in the image and likeness of God,
A true example to follow through life,
You are with your Father now,
Free from all suffering and strife.
I do not want to say good-bye
To the man who stood in front
Of our pew in church each week,
Never being in any want.
You always gave of yourself,
As Jesus our Saviour, you sacrificed for all,
You will never be forgotten
As a man of God standing proud and tall.
You are not far from us,
You’re by the Lord’s side,
Where hopefully one day
We will soon abide.
linda,kay,and lori credit union
March 15, 2006
to laura and family chinky will be truly missed especially the frequent vists to us at the office. his special gift of laughter with his funny jokes can now be shared with everyone up above.and the times he spent with us we will never forget.
Dick & Betty Zeller
March 14, 2006
Dear Fred,Dennis & family, please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father.We had the greatest respect for your father.He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
Gregory Aeed
March 14, 2006
Deepest regrets to the family. My father George talked about Chinky Charles with only the greatest regard. He was an inspiration to me. We love you and wish you the best.
Alicia Rizzotto Howard
March 14, 2006
Dennis and Fred, Mrs. Charles and Family
Chinky Charles was a perfect blend of gentle and sweet and tough and awesome. I remember his visiting our home and gabbing with my dad for hours on end (important business I’m sure...). Particularly when he was in uniform and he’d smile and sweet-talk me, I could never get over the fact that those words were coming from a man with a build like Rocky Marciano and equipped with a gun, nightstick, cuffs, the works. He embodied the words “speak softly and carry a big stick.” As I recall, he was very persuasive.
Chinky Charles is one of the last of that generation of men who came out of their experiences in World War II intent on living their lives with a total commitment to family and community. It’s not just rhetoric to say those guys, at such a young age, saved the world for democracy. They came back from that war and didn’t indulge themselves. They spent the rest of their lives making a difference. Of course, if he was like my dad, there was never much of a ‘democracy’ at the homestead, but you always knew exactly where they stood.
Thanks Mr. Charles for being such a good man and leading such a good life. Your example meant so much to me and to so many including your two sons whose goodness honors your memory.
My condolences.
Barry Weiner
March 14, 2006
Dear Laura, Fred, and Dennis:
Please our sincere condolence on the passing of Chinky. Chinky was truly a great man. His years of devoted service to the Credit Union is greatly appreciated. Chinky's many ideas helped to contribute to the success of the Credit Union. He will truly be missed. Personally I feel very blessed that our paths in life have crossed because of that I met a great friend. No question the loss of him will be felt by many. Again we are very sorry for your loss. Chinky, Rest in peace, old friend.
Barry Weiner, President
AMEFCU
Richard Koury
March 14, 2006
Aunt Laura, Fred & Dennis
Every time I look at the Cantor's stand in Church I cannot help but think of Uncle Chinky. He will be missed by both young & old alike.
On behalf of myself, my wife Afifa, my mother Jammily & brother Anthony, please accept our deepest sympathy. I know that somewhere in heaven, my Dad & Uncle Chinky are talking about Church business.
Agnes George
March 14, 2006
Dear Mrs. Charles & Family,
I knew Chinky from being a board member with him at AMEFCU. What a warm and wonderful man with a heart of gold. The world has lost a true gentleman. God bless you and your family.
Monica Klucharich
March 14, 2006
Uncle Chinky,
You were one of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. Whenever you saw us, you always made a point to say hello. You will be greatly missed by everyone. I only wish I could be there to say goodbye in person. Rest in Peace.
Scott Mitchell
March 13, 2006
Mrs. Charles, Fred and Dennis,
Linda and I were saddened to read about your recent loss. Chinky will be truly missed by our family. Linda, Kim and Tricia will always remember his kindness and humor. I will forever be thankful for his guidance and knowledge throughout his police career. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Scott and Linda Mitchell and family
Gary Danni
March 13, 2006
My condolences Fred.
Lynn (Egge) Johnson
March 13, 2006
To the Charles Family:
I regret that it has been many years since I have seen Uncle Chinky. He was an outstanding human being, a patriot and a man of faith: a role model for each of us. Like his brother George, he will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him and were blessed to have been able to call him 'family'. God honor him in eternal glory, bless his memory among us, and keep you all in His perfect peace.
Love, Lynn
Roy & Donna SeKoch
March 13, 2006
We will miss you Uncle Chinky. I will never forget growing up and how you affected my life for the positive. The fish fry's and church picnics. Our prayers are with the family.
Paige, George & Dylan Fulmer
March 13, 2006
Dear Charles Family we are deeply sadden by your loss. Regreatable we are unable to pay our respects in person but we are with you in spirit. God Bless.
Carol Ann (Charles) Hecht
March 13, 2006
Mrs.Charles,Freddy and Dennis,
I am so sorry to hear the sad news. I will always remember growing up in the church he was always there to help and guide us. My prayers are with you all.
Judith Thomasik
March 13, 2006
My deepest thoughts and prayers are sent to the Charles family. May you always remember the "good times" and may our love help you through this time of sorrow.
Nicholas Sadaka
March 13, 2006
Dear Freddie and the Entire Charles Family:
Please know that you all remain in our prayers.
The Sadaka Family
954-577-8544
JOSEPH&DIANA ABRAHAM
March 13, 2006
WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN&FAMILY-YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. WE HAD A LOT OF GOOD TIMES WITH CHINKY--HE WILL BE MISSED--GOD BLESS--SKIP&DIANA& FAMILY
Joanie Isaacson Klucharich
March 13, 2006
Uncle Chinky,
To Aunt Laura, Fred and Denny - you had the most wonderful husband and father and I'm sure all of you will miss him.
To Uncle Chinky - I will never forget you. All the fun we had and all the stories! I will especially remember you and my dad spending time together at Anderson's Diner with all the guys! Also, how much you always made the time to talk with my children Monica and Mark and my husband Bill. The times I would be walking on Tacoma St and you would be sitting in at Ali and Vilma's and you'd yell out to me, "Hi Honey" just as you always did. And also, when Monica had to interview you for a school project and she learned so much about our families. Thanks again, Uncle Chinky and i'm sure "the gang" is hanging out again wherever all of you are.
Ernest & Irene Toth
March 12, 2006
Dear Mrs. Charles and family . We are saddened and we will miss CHARLES very much. He was more than just a friend to us and have a lot of nice memories of him.
Stephen "Sa'eed" and Suha "Maha" Constantine (Isthantheen)
March 12, 2006
Deepest Sympathies and Condolences to everyone in "Chinky's" family. Since I live in and work in Washington, D.C. during the week, I regret that I will be unable to pay my respects in person. Although I was born and raised in Easton, I have known him since I was a young child, as he was good friends with my uncle, who was a tailor in Allentown in the '60's. I remember how happy he was, in 1994, when he found out I married a "Syrian girl from Allentown"....He was a good man, always had a wonderful smile, in addition to great advice, and I respected him very much. I am going to miss all the laughs and good times, we used to have, at the St. George's Syrian Festival each year. From your "Lebanese buddy from Easton", "Allah yer Hamek, ya Chinky", they don't make them like you anymore....Rest in Peace, my friend, as you will never be forgotten in this house....To Mrs. Charles, Freddy and Dennis, I am so very sorry for your loss...Allah yer Hamouh.....
Diane (Egge) Feehan
March 12, 2006
Although I have not seen Chinky in many years, my memories are quite fond. I have told my children many stories of the Charles men and how they will be truly missed.
Chuckie Shahadey
March 12, 2006
To the entire Charles Family,
My Deepest Sympathies to you all for the loss of a great and wonderful man. My heart is very sad of this news. Please know that you are all in my Thoughts & Prayers.
May His Memory Be Eternal!!
With All My Love,
Chuckie Shahadey
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
St. Philip Orthodox Church
Tom and Missy (Sokalsky)Ramsey
March 12, 2006
Sorry to hear of the passing of Chinky. He was such a thoughtful and caring person. We had a lot of laughs with him at Front St. Lunch. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Tom and Missy Ramsey and the Sokalsky family (Stags and Ducky)
Michael Dergham
March 12, 2006
He was a great person and will always be missed.
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