Charles E. Weber, Jr.

Charles E. Weber Jr., Brig. Gen. (Ret), 81, of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2022. at Jefferson Hospital from complications of a previous hospital stay and stroke. For those of us who knew and loved him, this marks the completion of his time here with us but there is no end to his impact and his legacy of leadership and love. There are many ways to define success in life and he achieved it in ways that truly matter.

Born March 31, 1941 in Philadelphia, PA he was the son of the late Charles Weber Sr. and Anna Magee Weber. Charles (aka Charlie) grew up in Glenolden, PA. He kept himself active with sports, Lionel trains, riding bikes and making fireworks. He was always creating and inventing things. He even created a communication system with old phone wires across the backyard to his best friend's house. At a young age, Charles learned business from his father who owned one of the first electric stores in the area. He was a graduate of Interboro High School.

Brigadier General (DE) Charles E. Weber Jr. graduated from the Pennsylvania Military College (PMC) now Widener University in 1964, where he began his military career as a Second Lieutenant after receiving his commission through the ROTC program. After graduation, he attended airborne school and flight school before being assigned to the 336th Assault Helicopter Company with duty in Soc Trang, Vietnam. He served as a UH-1 Huey pilot from 1966 to June 1967 in Vietnam. After his release from the Army in November 1967, he transferred to the Delaware Army National Guard. During this time, he met and fell for his love of his life Margaret, when asked by a friend to pick her up from a venue. They knew it was meant to be and were married for 55 years. 

BG (DE) Charles E. Weber Jr. received the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross for heroic actions in 1966 in the Republic of Vietnam while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. He flew under enemy machine gun fire which knocked out his instruments, to rescue downed aircraft crews. With the help of his wing aviator, he eventually rescued three downed aircraft crews. He picked up every soldier until he had a full load. Due to his heroic efforts, the enemy attempts and operations were aborted. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, multiple air medals, including the prestigious Army Commendation Medal. General Weber's numerous awards and decorations.(see below)

His assignments required progressive growth in leadership and vision as he rose through the ranks.  In May 1971, he was assigned to the 198th Aviation Company (Assault helicopter) as a platoon leader. In July 1982, after completing the Command and General Staff College, he was promoted to Lt Colonel. He served in a variety of positions in the 261st Signal Command over the next 11 years including Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Inspector General for the command, Inspector General for Headquarters, Delaware Army National Guard and Director of Facilities for Headquarters, Delaware Army National Guard. 

General Weber retired in 1997 after 32 years of military service and 2664 military flight hours and as Master Army Aviator. 

After leaving active service, he worked for Ross Perot, EDS (Electric Data System), where he was responsible for opening the Philadelphia branch for his company. 

Charlie was a true entrepreneur and had many business endeavors. In 1972, he started his own business Show-n-Tell, Inc. and was the first, specializing in educational materials and school supplies in the region. Over the next 16 years he successfully opened two more stores in the Chester County area. After he sold the business, he became a commercial realtor and remained active for 20 years. He owned multiple distributorships and businesses through out his life time from handyman businesses to NFL football rings. He partnered and published a learning game called “All about my money” for children designed to teach the fundamentals of saving and spending money. This was a highly successful, selling over 200k games. He then co-produced the “Chester County" monopoly  game, which was also used for a fundraiser for the Arc of Chester County.

Charlie's long list of achievements and awards were in every area of his life for his dedication and volunteer work. In addition to his business interests, Charlie dedicated himself to philanthropy. He was a man that would go the extra mile to help others. After his daughter was born with special needs, he became a lifetime advocate, fighting for the rights and betterment of handicapped individuals. Charles was instrumental in raising close to a million dollars for building an Olympic size pool for Bournelyf Camp for special needs children. He was a member of the board of the Chester County MH/MR Advisory Board for over 20 years. For 23 years he was on the board and finance committee of the Arc of Chester County.

His love for people and work ethic was always evident in everything he did. One of Charlie's many passions was anything to do with cars; from buying, selling  to repairing them. He loved anything with a motor. He offered his mechanical expertise to help or advise anyone that needed it. He was a dedicated Philadelphia Eagles Football fan and watched every game. Charles was very patriotic. This was evident during July 4th where he would  have one of the neighborhoods biggest displays of fireworks accompanied with music. Charlie was a talented musician and had an ear for music. He played the trombone in the marching band at PMC college and even learned the drums. He had eclectic music interests ranging from jazz, marching bands, acappella, country and gospel. Every summer, he planned a beach vacation and always looked forward to spending time with family. Many summers were spent in Ocean City, NJ and Delaware.

Charlie was a known also as Mr. Fix it man! There wasn't anything he couldn't figure out.  He was always remodeling his home or involved in a DIY project. He had the talent to do most carpentry and mechanical work successfully, because he applied himself to learning how to do so.  He was great at analyzing any topic or project, knowing the most recent developments and correct solution to any project.  

Charlie's family was his most important part of his life. He deeply loved and was loved by his daughters and family, taking pleasure in giving them practical advice and encouragement. He was blessed to have his first grandchild who he doted on and was finally given the title of Pop-Pop. His son-in-law was more than just family, he was proud to have him in the family and enjoyed sharing things with him and was his right hand man for many projects and endeavors. His guidance and never endless love will be missed.

Charlie would tell you these are the successes in life that truly matter. Even in his final months, heartbroken about his health and his wife's, he still put his family first and wanted everyone be taken care of. It is this glimpse of the life Charlie led and of life well lived. One that will live on through his family and friends. Charlie was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather,  and friend and will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife Margaret, he is survived by his daughters, Kristel M. (Robert) Carango and Margie L. Weber; granddaughters, Leanna Carango, Sara Carango and sister, Nancy Kane.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 10:00 am - 10:45 am at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com; followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00 am. and laid to rest with military honors at Philadelphia Memorial Park. Live streaming of his funeral service will be available here: https://youtu.be/Sc4eHpFHKCg  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family and Bournelyf Special Needs Camp 1070 S New St, West Chester, PA 19382 https://www.bscwc.org/donations

Continued: Military Awards and Medals

The Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Metal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with 31 oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Armed Forces reserve Medal with 2 hour glasses, the Vietnam Campaign Metal with  device, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with bronze star (individual award), the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm unit citation, the Master Army Aviation Badge, the Airborne Badge, Expert Marksmen badge, the overseas Service Bar (2), the Delaware Order of the Griffin, the Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross, the Delaware Medal for Military Merit (3), the Delaware Defense Service Ribbon, the Delaware Recruiting Ribbon, and the Delaware Physical Fitness Ribbon (7)