Charles Bihl

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.

Charles Bihl

November 1, 1945 - April 7, 2023