Charles D. Burgess Jr.

Charles D. Burgess, Jr., 59, of Philadelphia, Pa., passed away on August 21, 2023, after battling a long illness.

“Chuck,” as he was affectionately called, was born in Philadelphia, Pa. on November 11, 1963, son of Gloria J. Boone and Charles D. Burgess, Sr. (and raised by the late Elder Henry Buxton). He would be a great Dad to him, providing the example Chuck needed to one day be a dad and husband. His education began in the Philadelphia School System. He completed high school at John F. Kennedy High School in Willingboro,  New Jersey in 1982.

Chuck was a very mild-mannered man, even as a young child. He was quiet, didn’t require much and always very neat. When you saw Chuck, he greeted you with a smile. He was always in a good mood. It didn’t matter what was happening. Those same traits followed him into adulthood. Many would describe him as laid back. He was the one that was encouraging everyone that everything was going to be okay, regardless of their circumstances. So, no one was surprised at how hard he fought illness, that’s who he was. He also accepted Christ as his personal Savior in the summer of 2021, understanding that God was in control of ALL things. His faith carried him through it all.

Chuck was known for his “Tips of the Day.” He would send out daily texts to family members every morning. This was his way of letting them know that he was thinking of them. He had been doing this for several years. While some were in group chats, some were individualized. He was very intentional. He wanted his family to know that he loved them and that they were thought of by him. He understood the importance of family and his family meant so much to him.

Chuck has worked in healthcare most of his life. He started at Giuffre’ Medical Center as a teenager. His last employment was at Aria Healthcare as an Operating Room Technician. He worked until 2015 until he began having health issues.

Chuck met his wife Juanita at a dance club in 1989 and married on July 13, 1994. They enjoyed their home and married life together for 29 years. He is survived by his younger sister and brothers: Vendetta, Robert, and Troy; his children: Kwesi-baye, Kameelah, Jerome, and Tiffany; his grandchildren: Carter, Naheemah, Nahiem, Zeheiyh, Sahnayyah, Adris, and Destiny; a best friend of 47 years and dear brother, Bill Burton, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. We will miss him every day.

Relatives and friends are invited to Charles viewing Thursday, August 31 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM followed by his funeral service at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, Pa. Interment private.