Charles D. “Charlie” Cobourn
February 1, 1944 - October 29, 2024
Charles D. “Charlie” Cobourn, age 80, of Middletown, DE, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
Born in Wilmington, DE on February 1, 1944, he was a son of the late Charles G. Cobourn and Dorothy “Dot” (Reed) Thornton. Charlie was a graduate of Newark High School in 1962, where he was a member of FFA. He then enlisted in the Delaware National Guard Reserves, proudly serving from 1964 until 1970. Charlie made his career as a self-employed diesel mechanic and welder, and owned and operated Cobourn’s Repair Service.
Charlie discovered his passion for racing at a young age. He began participating in many different types of racing including, motorcycles, maxikarts, and 270 micro sprint cars. Charlie also competed in scramble races and was a professional flat tracker. Later in life, he enjoyed riding his motorcycles recreationally, traveling to various destinations. Charlie was a former member of Retreads motorcycle club. When he wasn’t on the race track, he could often be found at car shows. Charlie loved to spend countless hours hunting, shooting, and farming. He was also an avid bicyclist. Charlie was a member of the Masonic Solomon Lodge #36 in Newport. His most treasured moments were spent with his loved ones. Charlie looked forward to family gatherings around the pool and eating crabs. He frequently met with friends for meals or coffee at local restaurants, and especially loved the Ches Del or the Odessa Diner, formally The Hearth.
In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his son, David W. Cobourn; sister, Marie Walker; and his faithful companion Morgan, a Chesapeake Bay retriever. He is survived by his daughter, Susan L. Cobourn of Smyrna; sweetheart, Rosemary Pedretti of Middletown; grandchildren, Julia C. Skinner (Ian) of Townsend, James W. Womer III of Smyrna, and Ilaina M. Siegel of Dover; great-grandchildren, Bryce T. Dvorak, Brody P. Dvorak, and Lucia A. Skinner, all of Townsend; brothers, Leonard “Herky” Cobourn and Kenny Thornton; and former wife, Patricia A. Cobourn.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 1 pm on Monday, November 4, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 1 pm. A luncheon will be held, following the funeral service, at Middletown Memorial Hall, 27 West Green Street, Middletown, DE. Interment will be held privately in Gracelawn Memorial Park.
Scott & Dawn Baker
We are truly sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. Scott and Charlie have alot of good memories, and he will be missed. Praying for you all for God’s peace.♥️
Sandy Mayhew
I am so sad that you have passed on Charlie. I will miss our chats over coffee and your true generosity. You were always ready to help fix a mower, lend a hand, or plow snow on our street in Commodore, expecting nothing in return. Thank you Charlie for your unwavering friendship! I will miss you dearly.
Bonnie Fry
Charlie I don’t know where to begin we rode the school bus together at 10 years old. We graduated together in the class of 62.you were one of a kind. God got a special man when you arrived. Will miss you always my dear friend.
Carroll Thompson
An awesome friend was glad to have known this fine man in my life.
Phoebe Fassig Doherty
Condolences to Charlie’s family. He was such a bright light in everyone’s day. He was generous. I remember when he invited the reunion group over to his place for a crab boil. My husband, from landlocked Nebraska, was so shocked when he poured the crabs out on the table. I looked forward to visiting with Charlie at the next NHS luncheon.
Charlie, you are missed.
Your NHS Classmate of 1962
Joan Hanna
So sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing Charlie was a long time friend of my husband and myself. It was a pleasure knowing him. Charlie was always there to lend a helping hand to all. Charlie will surely be missed RIP