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Charles C. Papy Jr.

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University of Florida University of Miami

Charles Papy Obituary

PAPY, Charles C. Jr. "Papa" passed away peacefully on Jan. 2, 2009, surrounded by his loving family whom he had just a week before cooked Christmas dinner for and hosted at his home for his favorite holiday. He was born in Miami on Aug. 18, 1927, as the only child of Charles C. Papy, Sr. and Mary Crane. He was a sixth generation Floridian and loved his "Miama". A larger than life character, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him and in particular by his family. Papa graduated from Miami High in 1945, and was a proud member of the 1943 and 1944 football teams. He attended the University of Florida for one year before returning to Miami to finish at the University of Miami where he became a lifelong Canes fan. He joined Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity where he made many lifelong friends. In 1948, he married June Marlow and raised two sons, Charles III and Stephen. He was an insurance adjustor while attending U of M law school at night, graduating with honors in 1953. His love of the law and the drama of the courtroom sustained him and he remained active in his practice until his death. Known as a "lawyer's lawyer", he was a relentless advocate for his clients. He loved to practice with his partner of thirty-four years, Sheridan K. Weissenborn, and he was the mentor for many lawyers. As an expert in insurance litigation, he was a member of the Florida Bar for fifty-five years and tried his last case within a month of his death. He tried over three hundred jury trials and believed that it was the duty of each lawyer to insure the continuation of our judicial system as it is the foundation of our republic. In 1972, he was elected to the Florida Legislature representing district 117 and served through 1978, rising to the level of chairman of the Dade House and Senate Delegation. His accomplishments in the legislature included a complete revision of the workman's compensation laws and his assistance in providing funding for Jackson Memorial Hospital and his beloved U of M. One of his proudest moments was participating in his granddaughter's graduation from U of M law school as the first third generation graduate. In 2006, the Moot Court Board at U of M was named in his honor. Papa was an avid sportsman who loved to fish, hunt, shoot skeet, and golf. He had at least one golf club from each manufacturer over the last thirty years. In the 1960s he raised cattle and enjoyed riding quarter horses with his family as well as competing in numerous horse shows throughout the southeast. He spent as much time as possible at his second home in Crystal River, where he enjoyed the outdoors. He was active in numerous community organizations such as being a founding member of the Howard Palmetto Khoury league and the first President of the Westminster Christian Chiefs. Papa was a longtime member of LaGorce Country Club and Seven Rivers Golf Club. He was also a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, having been a member of Granada and Kendall Presbyterian. He was the President of the Presbytery of the Everglades. Anyone who knew him knows that he could fill any room with his personality and that within the sound of a common shot would hear his laugh when happy or his temper when mad. He knew no boundaries for friends or family and always valued both. You were truly blessed if you were one of his friends. We will all miss him. He is survived by his devoted wife of twenty three years, Deborah; her children, Melissa, James (Michelle), and John; sons, Charles III (Anne), Stephen (Maria); and grandchildren, Jennifer (Brendan Barrow), Ryan, Alyson, Douglas, Travis, Katie, Stephen, Laura (Carlos, Victoria and Susana Perez), Mark, Kyle, and Madison; and great-grandchild, Christopher Eugene. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, from 6-9 pm. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, at 1 pm at Granada Presbyterian Church: 950 University Drive, Coral Gables, FL. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Park North Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Charles C. Papy, Jr. Moot Court Board, School of Law Alumni and Development, P.O. Box 248087, Coral Gables, FL 33124. Van Orsdel Kendall Chapel 11220 N. Kendall Drive Miami, Florida 33176 305-279-6644

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Published by Tampa Bay Times on Jan. 5, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Papy

32 Entries

Rob Lord

September 23, 2009

I had the privilege of working for Charlie as a new lawyer out of law school (1984-85). I have had much success since then, and owe all of it to my parents and other wonderful lawyers, particularly Mr. Papy. I learned so much in such a short period of time. He was extrememly good to me.

Because of that, I was just looking him up to see if I could buy him lunch and catch up on the past few years only to belatedly learn of his passing. He was a great mentor, story teller, trial lawyer and friend. Dade County and Florida have lost a treasure.

My deepest sypathy to all of the Papy family.

Rob

Joe Perea

May 21, 2009

I met him once. It was a two-hour lunch/job interview. I didn't get the job, but he was the most interesting guy I've ever met in my life. I learned more in two hours than I did in law school. I called him a couple times after ward and he was lucid and helpful and offered me advice on how to proceed with my legal career. My condolences to the Papy family.

George Kitsos

May 5, 2009

Big Charlie was bigger than life.I first met him in 1970 when I joined the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity with his son Little Charlie. Not only were we fraternity brothers, but became close friends. I felt a part of his family when he referred to me as "Cousin George". My condolensces to his family and many friends. You will be missed.

Dee Atkins

February 7, 2009

Debbie and family
I have just recently returned home from a month in San Antonio and heard of Charlie's passing. I will miss him. I so looked forward to you all's visits to Crystal River. He helped me several times with some legal issues. All I had to do was ask. Most of all, I will miss his entertaining stories of his life experiences. He was one of the most interesting and comfortable men I've ever met.
My condolences to you and the family. I have just recently lost my Tom, so I know how your life is turned upside down right now. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dee

alyson papy

January 13, 2009

I miss you papa..think about you all of the time...your granddaughter, ally cat

Jimmie Cooper

January 11, 2009

Charlie was a man destin to leave his mark as a giving and dedicated family man. He taught me many things that have allowed me to deal with my fellow man in business matters and in life in general. These values will remain with me and I know he will be missed by all. GOD bless you Charlie and your family.

Anna Wohlfahrt

January 9, 2009

To the Papy Family.I
I am so sorry to hear about Charles passing so soon after my husband Frank Wohlfahrt his golf Buddy from Homosassa pappy and Frank enjoyed their golf time together when he came up to Crystal River, many mornings Papy Debora Frank and I joined them for Breakfest , before they teed off he was a good friend to Frank .My prayers go with you durind this time , may god give you strengt , god bless

Dave Sierra

January 7, 2009

I was privilged to know Charlie through his work for Foremost Insurance. We quickly became close friends and shared our passions for God, family and golf. A truly amazing man. My sympathies to his family. May his rich legacy continue.

Tom Street

January 6, 2009

Charlie was a dear and close friend to my parents, Jack and Regina Street. My Dad considered Charlie one of his closest and dearest friends Over the last several years, I also developed a friendship with him as well. The Papy family has our deepest sympathies. He will always be in our prayers.

Luther Gray

January 6, 2009

Dear Charlie and Family,

Your father was one of the most amazing men that I have ever known. My many years working with your father as his legislative administrative assistant enlightened and enriched my entire life. Although your family has meant so much to the community and this state, they have also been an amazingly important part of my family.

My parents were so honored to have been both neighbors and friends to such a memorable man! Those many afternoon swims in the pool followed by hours of Miami’s history they shared, were some of the best years I can remember.

“Big” Charlie looked great the afternoon after my father’s services, just a few months ago. He was his consummate self as the entire room was enamored by his intelligence, wit, and persona. He will never be forgotten by those who loved him and all of those who were blessed to have been in his presence.

Stay well…….

Your Friend,

Luther

Gay Esteves

January 6, 2009

Dear Papy Family,
I am so saddened to hear of Charlie's passing so soon after my father, Robert Christiansen. He was a great friend to my father and his father Earl Christiansen and to their passion of golf. I am so pleased that I had the pleasure of meeting him. He will be so missed.

Stacey Rodriguez

January 6, 2009

Mr. Papy was a very intelligent man and he had so many stories to tell. I have known him since i was a little girl, my great grandfather has worked for him for over twenty five years. I also have the pleasure of working in his miami office. He would always tell me "Have fun kid, you only get to live once." He will forever be in our hearts.

We will miss him very much. I give my condolences to his family.

Everytime i eat a cookie, I will eat it in his honor.

Sandi Snider

January 5, 2009

Mr. Papy was my Dad's "Good Buddy" for many years (way back in the 60's-maybe earlier). Don and Jean Hess have predeceased him but have welcomed him into heaven with a set of golf clubs and are playing rounds of golf right now! Mr. Papy was also our personal attorney and friend. We just talked a few weeks ago and he bragged about still working. We will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Sandi Hess Snider, David, Beverly, Danny Snider Port Orange, FL

Thoney Aguila

January 5, 2009

My condolences to you and your family. He was a great coach and a friend.

Becky Bane

January 5, 2009

My husband and I only knew Charlie for about five years but those weekly talks we had with him at our restaurant on the Golf Course were filled with knowledge and enlightenment only Charlie could provide.

When we heard of his passing we both knew that Miami and the world had lost a giving, vibrant and loving soul.

We will dearly miss our talks with him and his gusto to defend those he felt needed defending. We will never forget the hours we spent with him at his office and all the memories he shared with us about family, friends, politics, law and Miami.

Our fondest memory will always be that he came to see us after he had his latest illness and said he was feeling much better and wanted to say hi to us. At the time he was preparing for this Christmas gathering at home which was most certainly his favorite time of year. He talked of it time and time again. That he even thought to extend a visit to us at this time shows his true spirit and complete humbleness. He truly taught us all that we are all worthy in our own way.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

On the day Charlie passed a bell rang on earth and the angels rejoiced in heaven at his coming home.

God Blessed Us With You Charlie.

Your Friends
Ed and Becky Bane

Sergio Casiano

January 5, 2009

God bless you, Papy. Many of us owe our careers as lawyers to the old man. We can truly say that we are better lawyers for knowing Charlie. I will always treasure our friendship. You will be truly missed.

Philip Budervic

January 5, 2009

Charlie Papy was the best friend anyone could ever have. He treated me as though I were a son. My only regret is that I did not meet him 30 years earlier. May the Lord bless Charlie in eternity and watch over his beautiful family during this time of sorrow. Charlie will be sorely missed by all who knew him. "I love you Charlie".

Clyde & Lynda Wingate

January 5, 2009

Our thoughts & prayers to the family.

Gertrude Peele

January 5, 2009

Charlie lived a great life. It is evident in the sum total of all the worthwhile things he did, one by one. His family is proud! We will miss him.

Bill Aylsworth

January 5, 2009

Charlie Papy was an icon of the Florida legal community. He was a trial lawyer, legislator, Christian, and family man that affected the lives of all who knew him. He turned none away and helped where he could. We are all diminished by his passing.

Rome Earl Welbaum

January 5, 2009

Charlie was a longtime friend and fraternity brother, when i left the 3rd DCA, he offered me a job at a great salary for the time, $10,000. but at the time, I wasn't able to take advantage of the offer. My sincere sympathy to Charlie's family, they have lost a truely outstanding gentleman. God bless.

Ismael Segovia (Great Florida Bank)

January 5, 2009

It was a blessing to have worked with Charles and to sit down with him and listen to his great stories. You will truly be missed.

Alicia Maresma

January 5, 2009

A man of integrity, honor and a good heart. We miss you, baby.
May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.

Allen Morris

January 5, 2009

Mr Papy has created and leaves a great legacy to his family.
My heart is with the Papy Family.
With Much Love,
Allen Morris

Julie Skokan

January 5, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Justo Rey

January 5, 2009

Florida lost a great son and we are sadden with the loss of his vibrancy and passion, but remember Charlie's thirst for life, his booming voice and his sense of humor. My condolences to the entire Pappy family.

Bob Feuerbach

January 5, 2009

Charlie, I was sorry to hear of your father's passing. My father passed away on December 27th. Your dad will always be remembered for all he did in the community. I will never forget all he did at Westminster in the 60's and early 70's. He was such a giving person.

Roberta Crupi

January 5, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Susie Mangano

January 4, 2009

What a legacy Mr. Papy left behind, most importantly, his family. I am saddened by their loss.

January 4, 2009

No one will probably remember me but I worked for Mr. Papy when his office was located at the then Sun Trust bldg. (Alhambra), in Coral Gables.

I'll always remember him as one of the most colorful characters I have ever met - right out of a Tennesse Williams book!

We will all miss him.
Leonor Aloisio

Robert Yacobellis

January 4, 2009

Though I had only known Charlie personally for about 10 years, it was a lifetime of memorable events. From dominating arbitrtations and winning trials to telling his stories of the old days in Miami, Charlie was always entertaining and thoughtful.
Will miss you Charlie.
Bob

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