Charles David Cowley Sr., age 73, of Waterford, passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at Hamot Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Born in Erie on December 12, 1937, he was a son of the late Bernard Cowley Sr. and Helen Lair Cowley.
In 1956, Chuck was a member of the first graduating class of Fort LeBoeuf High School in Waterford. He served in the United States Army and for a time worked at Marx Toys. He retired in 2000 after 34 years of employment at Calsicat Chemical Company and Englehard Corporation, formerly Mallinkrodt Corporation, in Erie. He worked there as a maintenance electrician and he was a member of their Quarter Century Club.
Chuck was a member of the American Legion Post #285 of Waterford, and he was co-owner with his two sons of Hillview Ostrich Ranch, also in Waterford. He loved to go fishing with his dog, Patches, and he was a dedicated Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Alice Shaffer Cowley; a brother, Bernard (Christine) Cowley Jr. of Cocoa, FL; two sisters, Phyllis (Richard) Belcher of Erie and Donna (Jerry) Edwards of Maryville, TN; his sister-in-law, Norma Cowley of Erie; two sons and a daughter, Charles Cowley Jr. and James (Cathy) Cowley, all of Waterford, and Susan (Michael) McNelis of Erie. Also, four step-children, Scott (Trish) Stull and Samuel (Sara) Stull, all of Union City, Russell (Areatha) Stull and Cindy (Troy) Trace, all of Waterford; 15 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, an aunt and uncle in Rock Creek, OH, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Chuck was preceded in death by two brothers, Dennis and William Cowley, and a daughter-in-law, Karen Cowley.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and may attend the funeral service there on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to Stancliff Hose Company in Waterford.
Alice
sorry for your loss
Evelyn Senger
we are very sorry for your loss–you are in our thoughts and prayers. natalie and frank
We’re going to miss you Uncle Charles. You were a very special part of our family and will continue to hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you for serving for our country and fighting for the freedoms we all enjoy.
Our hearts go out to Alice and the rest of family. We regret we cannot be with you during this trying time, but know we are with you in spirit.
Alice and family
True friends in life are rare. Chuck was one of mine and it really hurts to lose him. Coming to Waterford to visit in years to come are just not going to be the same. He stood up with Nancy and I at our wedding and was our daughter’s God Father and a good, true friend for 65 years.
He fought a good fight to recover from his heart problems and although he will no longer be here in body, his memory will last a life time with me.
Alice, my condolences to you and your extended family.
You have my number, if you ever need anything I am at the end of the telephone wire.
Bob and Nancy Catlin
FLBHS Class of 1956
Charles, I will miss you . We had a lot of fun growing up , memories I will keep with me always. Alice please know my heart is with you and I am so glad you have been in my brothers life. You made him very happy. We love you. Donna and Jery