My uncle died this week. He had just returned from his birthplace, Pittsburgh, to visit his brother, my father, who is dying in his own right.
One day at a time, everybody.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Jul. 15, 1920
Departed on Nov. 20, 2004 and resided in Southfield, MI.
Service:
Saturday Nov. 27, 2004
RETIRED BAKER FOR SANDERS AND AWREY’S
Veteran US Coast Guard – serving in North Africa, the Pacific Theatre and Southern Europe during WWII on the USS Joseph T. Dickman. He was a member of the VFW.
On December 8, 1945 Charles married Norma Lotz in New York City and in 1955 he moved his family to Southfield and was employed at Sanders Bakery for 21 years. He also worked at Awreys Bakery for 9 years, until he retired in 1985.
He was a member of the American Society of Bakery Engineers, the Metro Detroit Bakers and Allied Club and the Detroit Bakery Production of which he was president in 1975.
Charles was actively involved in the community volunteering at St. Patricks Senior Center in Detroit. He volunteered with St. Vincent DePaul, and as a tax consultant for senior citizens in Southfield and later at the Berkley Community Center. He was also a communications volunteer at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.
Member of St. Bede Catholic Church for 50 years
Charles coached little league baseball and soccer. He also enjoyed bowling, softball, volleyball and golf. At the age of 74 he aced his only hole in one on the 170 yard 16th hole at Raisin River Golf Course.
Charles also sat on the Southfield Parks and Recreation Board for a number of years.
Charles will be forever missed. The legacy he left to his children and to those who knew him will always be one of compassion and generosity. He always placed the needs of others before his own, demonstrating love in the actions of his hands and his heart.
Husband of Norma for 59 years. Father of: Mary Kufta (Jim), Kevin O’Neil (Diane), Daniel O’Neil (Pam), Nancy Borawski (Frank), Michael O’Neil (Ann), John O’Neil, Matthew O’Neil (Leah) 23 grandchildren & 3 step-grandchildren. Brother of Jack O’Neil (Theo) and William O’Neil (Eileen)
Funeral Mass Saturday 11:00am at Church of St. Bede, 18290 W. Twelve Mile Rd., Southfield. Visitation begins at church at 9:00am
In lieu of flowers family suggests memorial tributes to St. Aloysius Outreach Center, 1234 Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226