Charles Robert Gaines
January 19, 1943 - March 25, 2023
Charles Robert Gaines, age 80, of Bear, DE, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023.
Born in Jefferson City, MO on January 19, 1943, he was the son of the late Jesse and Marie Elizabeth (Newcomb) Gaines. Charles proudly served for 6 years in the Delaware National Guard. He attended the University of Delaware Accounting/Engineering program and went on to have a successful career with the Delaware Department of Transportation.
Charles spent 34 years working for the State of Delaware as an project engineer and had a large role in the construction projects of I-95 and the creation of Route 1. Following his retirement from the state, he began working for New Castle County Soil Conservation District as a project manager engineer for 16 years. Charles’ greatest passion was environmental projects, including the walking and biking trails that he helped construct throughout Northern Delaware. In his spare time, Charles could often be found cheering on his beloved Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. He was also a member of Holy Family R.C. Church and later attended St. Joseph / St. Rose of Lima Parish.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Marie Gaines. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathleen Ann (Pryor) Gaines; children, Charles Jay Gaines, Jr, Christopher Robert Gaines and his wife Kimberly; grandchildren, Katelyn, Jonathan, and Michael; and sister, Elaine Walther.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 10:30 am on Monday, April 3, 2023, at St. Rose of Lima Parish, 301 Lock Street, Chesapeake City, MD, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles’ memory to the National Kidney Foundation, Attn: Gift Processing at National Kidney Foundation HQ, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 or online by clicking here.
Patricia Wright
Charles was a fine and exceptional man. His memory was impeccable. It is so hard to lose a parent and your dad never let you or the grandkids down when it came to sports and/or just being there for you and the family. Bill and I will miss the many telephone calls from Charles regarding especially the Phillies and sometimes the Eagles. Charles always had a lot to talk about. You will be missed and always in our prayers.
JoAnn Palmer
I am so Sorry for your Family’s loss. Thoughts and Prayers for all of you. 🙏🏼❤️
Wendi Koonce Morse
We are so sorry for your loss and sending love you your family.
Kimberly Barnes
Thinking of you and wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Betty Gaines Essner
So sorry for your loss. Know that the Gaines family in Missouri will be praying for you during this time of loss and sorrow.
Donna ZEIGLER
Sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.
Michelle
I’m so sorry to hear about Charles. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Cherwaty
We have known Charles for many years. John was Charles neighbor in Fairwind on School Bell Road. He remembers when the group of guys got together and played hoops. He said Charles was a really good at basketball. Also they all would go out together and do the guy thing. Charles had a 1959 Ford Pea Green sedan.
Wasn’t a pretty car but it took them where they wanted to go and have a good time.
We were all friends and we introduced him to Kathy
Of course we know what happened. They fell in love and had 2 beautiful sons. We were very close they even bought a house down the street from us. I will always remember the beautiful yard he worked very hard on and his flowers were as beautiful as the love he put into them. I could go on and on but he was a wonderful husband, father and friend. He is with our Lord now and out of the suffering he dealt with the last years. And as he would always say “God gots my back.” Bless all of his family at this time of grief. Amen
Celine Curlett Wagner
So sorry to hear about Charles prayers to the family my thoughts are with you
ACC-APG Branch 2
Chris, Our condolences for the loss of your father. May the love of family and friends bring you comfort during this tough time. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy from your ACC Branch 2 work family.
Dawn Thomas
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Jay, you are all of your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this incredibly sad time.
Chris & Dawn Thomas (UK)
Sarah Gore
Dear Jay and family,
We are so sorry for your loss, and are sending all our love and thoughts. Your father sounds like a most remarkable gentleman full of grace, dignity, strength and benevolence. His legacy will last so many lifetimes. He was, undoubtedly, as proud of you as you all are of him.
All our love,
Sarah, Paul, Jake & Saffie Gore (UK) x