Nelson R. “Nick” Charles, Capt. USN, Ret. died on August 12, 2020, with his son and daughter by his side. He was 101 years old.
He was born in 1919 in Millerstown, PA to Jacob Otis and Helen Rounsley Charles. He was raised in Duncannon, PA by his paternal grandparents following the death of his mother due to the Spanish flu.
Nick met his future wife, Cynthia Preston, while attending Temple University in Philadelphia. With World War II looming, Nick left Temple prior to his Senior year to fly for the US Navy. He became a career Naval Officer. He was in Flight School when Pearl Harbor occurred and spent the next 4 years at war. The Navy awarded him the Silver Star, the military’s third highest personal decoration, for valor and gallantry during The Battle of Leyte Gulf. Among numerous combat awards, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, 5 air medals, 2 Navy Unit Commendations, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 12 stars, and numerous others.
He was the Commanding Officer of a carrier-based squadron during the Korean War and later became a test pilot. He was the Squadron and Air Group Commander (CAG) Atlantic Fleet aboard the USS Wright and had his final command as Commanding Officer, NAS Willow Grove in 1967.
After retiring from the Navy, he became Horsham Township Manager followed by Vice President of Marketing for Martin Associates.
Nick became an active member of Rotary International and was a founding member of the Horsham Rotary Club and its subsequent President. He also served as Rotary District Governor for SE Pennsylvania.
His volunteer work included the Military Officers Assoc. of America and the Navy League.
Nick and Cynthia were members of the Old York Road Country Club. He served on the Board of Governors for 12 years, 5 as President. They traveled extensively throughout the world as well.
Nick is predeceased by his wife Cynthia, and daughter Cynthia Anne Charles. He is survived by son James P. Charles (Wendy) of Lawrence MI, and daughter Nancy Charles-Columbia (Rick) of Pensacola, FL, 5 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
Services will be held at Whitemarsh Memorial Park Wayside Chapel, 1169 Limekiln Pike, Ambler (in Prospectville), on Wednesday Aug. 19 at 10 am. Burial to follow. Please note the Wayside Chapel entrance is off of Horsham Rd. The family would like to thank the Brittany Pointe community for their continuous love and care.
After reading his story, I would like to thank him for his service in the many ways in his historical years of leadership that spawned many years as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, Navy Officer, and his remarkable years of service in the many ways that he had.
My heart felt thanks and prayers go out to Nelson and his family as Nelson entered the heavens above with the Lord after a remarkable life he had for 101 years !!!
Thank you again,
Retired 20 year Commissioner
From Cheltenham, Pa.
Charles(Charlie)D. McKeown Sr
I always enjoyed interacting with Nick. He had a wonderful smile. My condolences to the Family. Merray Harris
I remember when he was the Commander of the WGNAS during my childhood. RIP
Do we make Americans like this anymore? I hope so. Fair winds and following seas, sir.