Final Salute

Charles (Charlie) W. Coombs Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on November 23, 2024 at the age of 86. Charlie was born in Jersey City, NJ on October 14, 1938 to Charles and Jeanette Coombs. He is survived by brother Michael (Marylou-dec.), sister Victorine (George). He was preceded by his brother James (Karla-dec.).
Charlie was a devoted, loyal husband, and best friend to Sharon Coombs whom he married in 1958 and remained married for 66 years until his passing. Together they had four children: Janet (Rodger Cook), preceded by Charles III (Tina), Kathleen (Steve Lemons), William (Laura), 8 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Charlie lived in Jersey City his first 17 years then joined the Navy where he spent his next 20 years in service to his country. As an Navy Corpsman, he spent four years serving with the Marine Corps where he was awarded the Marine Corps Medal and spent 13 months in Vietnam as a Marine combat medic. He later served a second tour in Vietnam as Corpsman with the Seabees, Naval construction battalion. He finished his Naval career as a Master Chief Petty Officer and a hospital administrator at the Philadelphia Naval hospital.
Upon retirement from the Navy, Charlie was a hospital administrator at St. Christorpher’s Children’s Hospital. He later used the expertise gained from his career to merge and manage medical practices.
Charlie was a trusted advisor who always had a word of encouragement, a wry smile, or some insightful political or worldly point to share, whether he was at home with his beloved wife Sharon and their cat Gus, or surrounded by family and friends.
Those blessed enough to have known him can wholeheartedly attest to his love and devotion to his wife, and his unwavering fatherly guidance offered with an abundance of playfulness to his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He enjoyed playing with his children whether it be playing twister in the living room, instigating snowball fights in the back yard or raking leaves into piles and making a game of leaping into the pile.
Animals of every variety loved Charlie, whom his family affectionately associates with St. Francis of Assisi. When visiting children and grandchildren with pets, the animals would find their way to snuggle up against him on the couch or receive a scrap or two.
Charlie’s love for animals was matched only by his love for hats of every kind. He had a gift for finding the perfect hat and had a hat for every occasion. From baseball caps to Australian Aussie Breezers, Charlie’s hats were a true reflection of his unique spirit.
Consistently throughout his life, he was known to offer a helping hand through charitable contributions and spiritual works of mercy that uplifted countless lives. Whether buying coats for kids in need, providing food for St. John’s Hospice with wife Sharon, or going beyond the call to save a life, Charlie was a humble example of a selfless servant’s heart. He was known as the neighborhood “Doc” who would help neighbors by providing food or with their home care by administering injections, catheters, and more.
In remembering Charlie’s extraordinary life, the family takes solace in the knowledge that he tirelessly worked to improve the present moment for those around him, consistently putting their needs before his own.
Charlie’s wife Sharon, son Bill, daughters Kathy and Janet would be honored if you could join them on Saturday, December 14, 2024, starting at 9:00 am for the visitation before his Memorial Mass at 10:00 am at St. Pius X in Broomall, as they pay tribute to a life well-lived. Following Mass the family invites you to St. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Thereafter, immediate and extended family are invited to a lunch at Anthony’s at 865 W. Springfield Rd., Springfield.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:23
In lieu of flowers please donate to Heifer International, and prayer for the repose of Charles Coombs is appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.