Charles Maurice Brosenne

On December 31, 2025, Charles Maurice "Pat" Brosenne (83) passed peacefully in his home with his loving wife and family by his side.

Born in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of Charles M. Brosenne and Anna P. (Zappacosta) Brosenne. Pat is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara (Parisi) Brosenne.

From an early age, he demonstrated a deep love of language, learning, and curiosity about the world-traits that would shape his family, academic and professional life and the way he engaged with everyone around him.

Pat was a graduate of Calvert Hall College High School. At La Salle University, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1964. At age 48, he found his second calling and returned to school at Drexel University, earning a Master of Science in Information Studies, demonstrating his enduring curiosity and deep commitment to learning.

Pat began his career as an English teacher. He taught at Monsignor Bonner High School, Sewickley Academy and Kimberton Farm (Waldorf) School where he inspired middle and high school students. He embraced the Waldorf educational philosophy at Kimberton, and while there, he acted as faculty adviser for the high school yearbook and literary magazine.

Pat transitioned to the business world and purchased a fried chicken restaurant called Dixie Take Out. Pat's charm and wit led to him becoming widely known as "Chicken Charles." His fried chicken, hoagies, natural sandwiches, and unforgettable Jo Jos (a singular sensation!) were only surpassed by his warm and welcoming manner. He poured his heart and soul into the aptly re-named Someplace Special restaurant, and he was fondly remembered by all who visited. He later operated a wholesale foods distribution business with his brother-in-law Michael Maher. His professional journey also included selling cars for a Porsche/Audi/Subaru dealership (where he indulged his life long dream of driving fast, and of course he won a competition for driving a Porsche backwards the fastest), managing a computer store, and working in corporate environments where his technical aptitude and customer-centered approach were highly valued.

At age 48, he found his second calling in information science and returned to school at Drexel University, earning a Master of Science in Information Studies. With this advanced training, Pat built a distinguished career as an information professional across academic, corporate, and medical libraries. He served as a librarian and information analyst at Hahnemann University Medical Library, GPU Energy, AT&T Laboratories, Lucent Technologies, and Agere Systems, supporting students, engineers, executives, and staff through research, competitive intelligence, and knowledge management. He ultimately brought his love of knowledge full circle as an Information Analyst Librarian at Albright College in Reading, PA, where he supported faculty, students, and colleagues until his retirement. Teaching remained a central thread throughout Pat's life, and education remained core to his identity even as his career evolved.

Pat was a man of deep faith and served for many years as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at Holy Rosary Parish, carrying out these roles with humility and devotion. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He cared for his wife with every ounce of his soul and paved a wide road for his children to travel on for all their days. He was a nurturing and playful "Pop" to his grandchildren and a steady, trusted presence for his family.

A modern-day Renaissance man, Pat's interests were wide-ranging and passionately pursued. He had a pure heart that was full of wonderment about ordinary and extraordinary things alike. He loved music, photography and Super 8 filmmaking, woodworking, gardening, mechanics, technology, storytelling, and food. He was the family's master fixer and diagnostician-especially when it came to cars-and the unquestioned authority on maintenance and repair decisions. At home, he was a gardener, bird lover, guardian of fig trees, relentless squirrel battler, master of mulch, and undisputed king of compost.

Pat was a legendary storyteller. With cadence, phrasing, and unforgettable accents, he brought books and stories vividly to life. His booming voice could stop mischief in its tracks, yet it was always paired with warmth, humor, and kindness. Humble by nature, his many talents and accomplishments often flew under the radar, known best by those fortunate enough to be close to him.

Pat is survived by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Barbara Parisi Brosenne, and their four children and seven grandchildren:
Brooke Brosenne and her child Rae Fleury;
Tara Brosenne Mather (Patrick) and their children Jason Mather (Estefany), Ryan Mather (Emily Pan), Elaine Estes-Garton (David), Elise Estes, and Lizzie Estes;
Matthew Brosenne (Miao San Mei) and their child Andrea;
and Lia Brosenne Perella (Jeremy) and their children Tessa and CJ.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 8, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, 237 Franklin Street, Reading, PA. Interment will take place at Saint Dominic's Cemetery in Philadelphia at 1:00pm on Friday, January 9. Kuhn Funeral Home is honored to serve the Brosenne family. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com .

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (https://www.lbda.org/) or Tower Health at Home Hospice.

To make a donation, send a check payable to: Tower Health at Home

Mail to:

Tower Health at Home
Attn: Donations
PO Box 16052
Reading, PA 19612-6052