Charles Eugene Cottingham

Charles Eugene Cottingham, age 85, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife, daughters, granddaughter, and family.
Charles was born on July 22, 1940, in Rowland, North Carolina. He was the eldest of seven children born to Rosalee Fairley and Leonidas Cottingham. In his youth, he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he attended high school via the Philadelphia Public School System.
He proudly served in the United States Army for three years, enlisting on November 28, 1958, and receiving an honorable discharge on February 23, 1962.
While living in Philadelphia, Charles met the love of his life, Ida, through his late sister, Elaine Covert, who introduced the two while Ida attended Cheyney University. Charles and Ida were united in marriage on January 16, 1971, and shared 54 years of love, partnership, and devotion. Together they raised two daughters, Dyanne Smith and Chanda Cottingham (Graves), of whom he was immensely proud.
After his military service, Charles began a long and dedicated career with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). He initially drove the trolley before transitioning to bus routes, often working split shifts. During breaks, he frequently visited his parents and siblings at their home on 55th and Addison in Philadelphia. He also enjoyed stopping by to see his Uncle Luke and spending time "shooting the breeze." When not relaxing with family and friends, he could often be found at the Callowhill Depot playing card games such as Pinochle, Gin Rummy, or Tonk.
Charles was known for his humor and memorable sayings-including "jive turkey" and "my man pots and pans." He lovingly referred to his daughters with nicknames: Chanda as "Wing" and Dyanne as "Group," and his grandchildren Brian as "Headquarters," Briana as "Briesky," Christian as "Chris," and Cameron as "Cam."
Charles leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Ida; daughters Dyanne (Charles) and Chanda (Jermaine); grandchildren Brian Brown, Briana Robinson, Christian Graves, and Cameron Graves; and great-grandchildren Joshua Brown, Miccah Paynter, and Masai Paynter. He is also survived by his sister Emily (Jackie) Montague, and brother Steve Cottingham (Sheila).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonidas and Rosalee Cottingham; and four siblings: James Cottingham, Elaine Covert, Patricia Johnson, and Leonidas Cottingham, as well as his brother-in-law Alonzo Covert.
Charles will be fondly remembered by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
He will forever be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, and the love he shared with all who knew him. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
Visitation will be from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Bradley Funeral Home, 601 Rt 73 South and Evesham Rd, Marlton, New Jersey 08053. A funeral service will begin at 12:30 pm, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Gloucester County Veterans Cemetery, 240 N Tuckahoe Rd, Williamstown, NJ 08094.