Charles E. Girven

Charles Edward Girven, Senior, a resident of Yonkers, New York, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on July 21, 2025, at the age of 86.
Charles was the beloved husband of the late Kathleen Saldis Girven, who preceded his death in 2018. Charles was the devoted father of Charlie (Carol), Christopher who predeceased him in 2011, and Kenneth (Regina Lynn). Charles was the very proud grandfather (AKA Grandpa G) of Charlie, Shannon, Erin, Kenny, and Katy.
Born on April 1, 1939 in the Bronx to Michael John Girven and Catherine McCabe Girven, Charles grew up in the Riverdale and Kingsbridge sections of the Bronx. Charles lived in their house at 154 Summit Place in Kingsbridge with his older brothers Joseph and Thomas. Charles attended the Saint Gabriel School and Our Lady of Angels School. Charles later attended Mount Saint Michael, and when the Girven family moved to Yonkers, New York, Charles attended and graduated from Lincoln High School.
Upon graduation from Lincoln High School, Charles worked as an auto mechanic on Bailey Avenue and West 233rd Street. Charles served in the US Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey and Fort Sill, Oklahoma, transferring to the New York Army National Guard upon discharge. Through mutual friends, Charles met Kathleen Saldis at the Sit and Chat Restaurant on McLean Avenue in Yonkers. On January 11, 1964, Charles and Kathleen married at Saint Barnabas Church, building a new home in Yonkers for their soon to be family.
Influenced by family friends and relatives, Charles joined the New York City Police Department in 1963, serving in the 26th Precinct. Charles later transferred to the Emergency Service Division in 1967 and served there in the capacity of patrolman and Sergeant for almost thirty two years. Charles enjoyed the daily challenges of being an "E-Man", where each tour presented new experiences, challenges, and opportunities. Charles retired in February 2000 with over thirty six years of police service.
A life long car enthusiast, Charles enjoyed working on his and friends' cars, and spent his time restoring his 1932 Chevrolet Confederate Sedan. Charles would attend local car shows and swap meets, with a yearly trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania for the Hershey Antique Automobile Club of America Car Show And Swap Meet with his son Charlie, Grandson Charlie, and fellow car enthusiast Frank Dowd. The highlight of his days was his weekly trip to Mahopac, New York, to visit his grandchildren for Pizza Fridays. Grandpa G bringing jelly doughnuts and Black and White Cookies always thrilled them. On birthdays and special occasions, Grandpa would bake cupcakes which were extravagantly decorated by him. He will be deeply missed by his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles' memory can be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, an organization that assists our First Responders and Military. Please click HERE to donate.
The family will be present on Thursday, July 24th, 2025 from 4-8 PM at Ruggiero & Sons, Funeral Home & Cremation Services - 732 Yonkers Avenue- Yonkers, New York 10704 (914) 375-1400 www.FRSWFH.com. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:45 AM on Friday, July 25, 2025 at Saint Barnabas Church - 409 East 241st Street- Bronx, New York 10470. Following the Mass, Charles will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 West Stevens Avenue- Hawthorne, New York 10532.