Charles Robert Dannenberg

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Charles Robert Dannenberg, 78, of West Chester, PA. He died peacefully at home on July 3, 2025, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Chuck was a beloved husband, devoted friend and a remarkable individual whose impact on those around him will be cherished forever.

Chuck was born on November 14, 1946 in Wilmington, DE, to the late Charles M. and Margaret Kidd Dannenberg. He grew up in West Chester, PA and graduated from B. Reed Henderson High School. He went on to graduate from Springfield College in Massachusetts in 1968 where he played soccer (before it was cool) and starred as Charlie Wonder in the early short film Spy on Campus. (Available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3TgSbJ7YoU). After college he briefly taught grade school, worked in the insurance business, and served in the National Guard.

With a distinguished career in the men's tailoring apparel industry, Chuck spent many years as a sales representative, predominantly with Warren Sewell Clothing in Georgia during the peak of American suit manufacturing in the late 1970's and 1980's. Representing New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Chuck thrived in an environment where, at one point, six out of every ten suits made in America were produced in the West Georgia region. His infectious personality and unwavering dedication won over retailers and peers alike, earning him numerous accolades, including the prestigious "Salesman of the Year" award. He later worked for S. Cohen, a men's clothing manufacturer based in Montreal, Canada covering the Northeast region.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chuck was a gifted athlete with a passion for skiing, golf, ocean swimming and, in his later years, running. An expert skier, he enjoyed countless adventures on the black diamond runs in Colorado with friends. His love for golf was evident through his membership at Merion Golf Club, and his service on the Pennsylvania Golf Association Executive Committee (including as president in 2010). Throughout the following decade he ran the Broad Street Run annually. After several half marathons, Chuck's running pursuits culminated in his completion of the Philadelphia Marathon in November 2017 at age 71.

Chuck was active in his community, serving on the board of directors of the YMCA of Brandywine Valley from 1989 to 1996 and leading various fundraising efforts, including as chair of the major gifts and board gifts for its capital campaigns and the Good Kids Campaign. He was also a committeeman for the Chester County Republicans and a proud member of his local Lions Club.

Throughout his life, Chuck remained grateful for his time at Springfield College and dedicated himself to the institution. He served as president for their Philadelphia Area Alumni Association from 1975 to 1980 and Class Agent in the mid-1980s. He joined the Alumni Council in 1997 and chaired various committees. While president of the Alumni Council, he was also a member of the Springfield College Board of Trustees. Chuck was a member of the David Allen Reed Society and the 1885 Society. He was deeply honored to earn the College's Tarbell Medallion in 2010.

Chuck's warmth and quick laughter endeared him to everyone he met. His closest friends teased him that his greatest achievement was his marriage in 1999 to Anne, whose unwavering support as a physician and wife provided her with the unique ability to care for Chuck in his final years. As a family man, he loved the summer days with his wife and grandchildren on the beach in Avalon. Chuck deeply honored the memories of his parents, and we can find solace in knowing that he is now reunited with them.

He is predeceased by his brother William T. Dannenberg. In addition to his wife Anne Bowen, Chuck is survived by stepdaughters, Sarah Dunn (Michael) and Gretchen Makai (Douglas) and grandchildren Guinevere Dunn, Archer Makai, Jacqueline Dunn, and Rhys Makai, sister-in-law Joy Dannenberg, niece Julie Krause (Knute), and nephews Kevin Dannenberg and Greg Dannenberg (Brittany).

The family will have a private celebration of Chuck's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chuck's name to the YMCA.

Chuck Dannenberg leaves behind a legacy filled with love, laughter, and friendship. Our loving memories of him will serve as a reminder of a life well-lived.