Obituary of Charles R. Bondi, Jr.

It is with great sadness that the children of Charles R. Bondi, Jr. announce the passing of their father. Affectionately known as “Chalie Boy”  he was born to the late Charles and Mary (Kowalski) Bondi on September 15, 1940, in Norristown, PA. He is survived by his brother Anthony (Marie - deceased) Bondi and predeceased by his sister Kathryn (Righter) Michels.

Charles is survived by his sons Michael (Gina) of Lafayette Hill, PA, David (Denise) of Phoenixville, PA, daughter Michele Stingle (Cary) of Lafayette Hill, and his grandchildren Charles David Bondi, Michael Stingle, Joseph Stingle, Rachael Bondi, Dara Bondi, and a great-grandson Elijah, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Charles was predeceased by his nieces Marie Bondi and Joanne O’Rourke, and son-in-law Donald Stingle, .

Though he was not a religious man, he had a deep and strong faith. Charles’ favorite Bible story was that of Joseph, where he learned the lessons of forgiveness and humility.  Raised Catholic, Charles was an altar boy in his younger years while attending St. Matthew’s school in Conshohocken, then went on to graduate from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in 1959, where he took great enjoyment in participating in the Drama Club and performing in the school productions.

Charles was a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service and served in the Lafayette Hill office for 15 years. He then worked as a Quality Assurance Specialist for General Electric (Lockheed Martin) in their Aerospace Division in King of Prussia, PA, where he retired with recognition for his exemplary performance dedication to his work.

He instilled in his children and grandchildren the value of having a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for our community. Though his roots are in Norristown where he spent his early childhood, he lived the rest of his years in the family’s beloved homestead in Lafayette Hill where four generations have called home.

A devoted and doting son, Charles was presented with Montgomery County’s Caregiver of the Year Award for the exemplary care of his mother during her battle with Alzheimer’s, a great point of pride for his family.

He had a great love of music which inspired him to become a musician at an early age, and is remembered by many as a consummate guitarist. Picking up the guitar at nine years of age, he was inspired by Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and  Little Richard. Charles had a rock-n-roll band during his early adult years, and in his retirement took great pride in writing, producing, and arranging his original music.

Charles did not live a wealthy life, rather, he lived a rich one, often sharing endearing stories from his early childhood, the humorous and spirited adventures of his teen-hood, and of the fascinating vacations and travels that he enjoyed as an adult; he made every story -- from the the sandy beaches of the Caribbean, the Colosseum of Rome, to the Grand Canyon and the Sequoia National Forest -- seem like the most fabulous adventure.

Always hoping to win the big lottery, Charles would often invision and tell how he would generously spend his winnings on his family. He enjoyed playing poker occasionally, going to the casinos from time-to-time, and he faithfully played the daily number, often with numbers that reflected significant dates and addresses of his life -- typically he was always “just one number away”.

His children will lovingly remember him as the one who gave the best porpoise rides in their backyard swimming pool, his enthusiasm for roller coasters, and though he made the most simple sand castles on the beaches of Wildwood, NJ.,  he made every small adventure feel special and grand.

His children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews are blessed to have learned many lessons from him as he readily gave advice and words of wisdom. He was a true treasure and will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Friends and family are invited to visit with the family on Sunday, December 16, from 11:30 to 12:30 at the Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 300 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, Pa 19428 His memorial service will be at 12:30 PM at the funeral home.