Charles Bihl
November 1, 1945 - April 7, 2023
Charles Bihl, age 77, of Newark, DE, passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023 with his wife and daughter by his side. He had a long struggle with esophageal cancer and fought it valiantly and with dignity for over 3 years.
Charles, known as Chuck, was born to the late Charles and Mary (Maloney) Bihl in Boston, Massachusetts on November 1, 1945. He started his career in the Air Force and after being discharged he began a long and lucrative career in sales, at one point owning his own successful business. Charles was a hard worker and although he never went to college, he would often say he earned his degree from the “school of life”. He had a very extroverted personality and loved nothing more than striking up a conversation with a stranger. Charles had a great talent for drawing people out of their shells and was also incredibly generous. He donated to many charities and always helped a friend in need in whatever way he could.
Charles enjoyed spending time on the golf course with his good friends Ed and Stan. He also enjoyed golfing with his beloved nephew Dan. Charles had a passion for anything nautical, and although he didn’t own a boat he liked to dream about that possibility and often would go to a marina just to look at the boats. He said that he always felt more like himself when he was near the ocean. Any chance Charles had to be out on the water, whether deep sea fishing or just sailing, brought him deep peace. He took great pride in his home and spent most of his retirement years meticulously tending and caring for his yard. Charles loved being outside trimming his forsythia and azalea bushes and talking to neighbors in the process.
His only grandson Charles was his pride and joy and they spent countless hours together building ice forts in the snow, collecting coins, doing archery in the backyard and having passionate conversations about politics and religion.
His siblings Carol, Marjorie and David (deceased) were an important part of his life and although they were far apart in miles they were never far apart in spirit.
His beloved wife Jackie was his constant companion, and they spent each day together in their retirement taking daily walks and eating at their favorite restaurant once a week after church on Sundays. They shared 57 years of marriage together and she was his biggest support during his long battle with cancer.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Holy Angels R.C. Church, 82 Possum Park Road, Newark, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am. Entombment will follow in Cathedral Cemetery, 2400 Lancaster Avenue, Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chuck’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online by clicking here.
Beverly Mosher
Rest in peace cuz! Your suffering that you fought is now over! Will remember the great cook outs at Carol which I enjoyed your company and are talks! God Bless !
Cheryl Fuhrman
I have the most wonderful memories of Mr. Bihl one that comes to mind he Mrs Bihl and Sherri became a part of my family when they moved to South St George’s when I was a teen . Sherri and I became instant friends and today …Sisters …
When I was a teen a was dating a boy that had let’s say some emotional challenges ,and although I had broken up with him he came to Mr Bihls yard to try and get to mine very emotionally distraught . Mr Bihl very concerned for his state of mind intercepted him , and very compassionately took time to talk with him , and calm him down . I’m not sure if the exact conversation , but I do know he persuaded him to give some time for healing and lovingly directed him safely on his way back home . He kept that intervention to himself, and my estranged boyfriend . I truly was thankful then , and now for taking his time to try and guide this young man to a better choice , and always had a lot of respect for Mr Bihl , and after that even more . I know he was a man of great strength , and a love for the Lord where he is today in Jesus’ loving arms. We ll miss you for now ,but we will see you again in heaven.❤️
Jessica Matthews
This is so beautifully written. I feel like I am even more like Uncle Chuck then I knew! This world lost an amazing person today that I am BLESSED to say I am related to and now he is reunited with family and I am pretty sure they are laughing, hugging and having the BEST reunion. Love you Sherri and Aunt Jackie.
Carol Bihl-Lake
Chuck, You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. You fought a hard fight to stay for your family. You are loved by all how knew you. We had a lot of laughs playing many games together with Fred, Rocky, Dan, you. Your laugh was contagious. I loved that you took me on the sail around the British Islands. You did like the ocean and so did I. I love you and will miss you like no other. Your sister, Carol
Susan Poley
Jackie, Sherry and Charlie,
Your husband, dad and grandfather was such a big part of the neighborhood. Always nice seeing you two walking. Interesting to learn he did the Citizens Police Academy! We are sorry for your loss and wish you peace. Sue and Ralph (13 Poplar).
Fred Matthews and Family
My cousin Chuck was many things, a husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle (“Great Uncle”), friend, veteran, entrepeneur. To me he was a “bonus big brother”. He showed up for almost every family event that I can remember, whether near or far. He was funny, always had a joke, never spent any time with him without laughing. Most importantly, I learned alot from him, not just by instruction which he did on one occasion: he told me when i was a young teen that when walking with a woman, always walk so that she is protected from the traffic going by. While a small piece of advice, it still is with me as to how to treat a woman. He was a role model by the life he lived, how he treated family and other people. When we discovered that he and I were 10 years apart and that cousin/nephew Dan was 10 years younger than me, we established the “decade club”. He made Dan and I a beautiful framed plaque that had a dime from our respective birth years – still hangs in my home that I look at most every day. I will miss him and many others will as well. Godspeed Chuck.
Stanley Green
The loss of Chuck a devoted husband, father and grandparent is an understatement. He was a guiding light for so many people who believe in God, family and country. If you were around Chuck for any period of time you wanted to shout at the top of your lungs God is Good! He will be dearly missed by all.
Michaels Howard Little
Dear Jackie, Sherri and Charles: I am so sorry for your loss. It’s small consolation, but be grateful for the time you had with him, and the love he gave to you. He’s in Heaven now with the loved ones who passed before him, and who are ready to greet him with open arms and great joy.
Love,
Michael
Śiva Schuh
My sincere condolences to the Bihl Family for their loss. May Lord Jesus the Christ embrace Chuck at his entrance into Heaven. With love and deep respect…