Charles W. Verna

Charles W. Verna, 85, of Glen Mills, PA, formerly of  West Chester, passed away December 28, 2024. His adoring wife and family were honored and blessed to be by his side.

Born July 26, 1939 in Philadelphia, PA, he was a son of the late Charles W. and Marianne (nee Gagliardi) Verna.

Charlie will eternally be the beloved husband and soulmate of Claire D. (nee McGinnis) Verna. For 64 years they loved and cherished one another through better, worse, richer, poorer, good times, bad times, health, and sickness. Never was their devotion more evident than when Claire became nurse and wife to Charlie. He increasingly was burdened by total loss of mobility. 

Charlie was the loving father of Diane (De) C. Farley (Wilbur “Bill”), Charles (“Chuck”) E. Verna (Renee), and Brian C. Verna; adoring grandfather of Alexandra Mancuso (Joe), Matthew Farley (Laura), Andrew Verna (Agata), and Michael Farley (Taylor); proud great-grandfather of Isabella Mancuso, Joey Mancuso, Henry Farley, Faye Farley, and June Farley; and dear brother of Carolyn D. Feindt (the late Harry “Buddy”). Charlie also loved his McGinnis sisters- & brother-in-law, Gerri, Marilyn, and Ed; and all of his nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family meant everything to him and he also treasured his lifelong friends. He was a good neighbor to all.

Charlie attended St. Alice’s Grade School in Upper Darby. He was a member of the first graduating class of Monsignor Bonner High School where he lettered in football. Charlie went on to St. Joe’s and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration while he was a dedicated member of ROTC and President of the Glee Club.

He worked at the family gas station while attending St. Joe’s. After graduation Charlie was employed by UPS before starting a 25-year career at DuPont as Managing Director of Materials and Logistics, Global. After retiring from DuPont he was recruited to join Rollins-Matlack, Inc. and was VP of their Brite-Sol division for business development. He also was an adjunct professor of business logistics at Delaware Technical Community College many evenings after putting in long days at DuPont. Charlie’s certifications (e.g., registered Interstate Commerce Commission practitioner) and memberships in professional societies (e.g., The American Society of Transportation and Logistics) are too numerous to list. He never boasted, but he was a highly regarded expert in the chemical tank truck industry, just one of the many attributes he shared with son Chuck.

Charlie used his tenor voice in the Bonner and St. Joe’s Glee Clubs. Later, with son Brian, his voice traveled the world with the Philadelphia Boys’ Choir and Men’s Chorale. He was a master carver and woodworker, creating many heirloom pieces for family and friends. Charlie specialized in birds and clocks among other unique creations like a full Nativity Set (that included a gorilla!), a chess table, and a jewelry box for his Claire. He also sculpted realistic busts of Ben Franklin, Lincoln, and Beethoven. Charlie was a member of the National Wood Carvers Association.

Charlie Verna worked so hard all of his life and nothing made him happier than the annual family vacation at Cape May Point. Now he is free to ride the early morning Cape May-Lewis ferry as often as he likes — a cherished tradition he shared with daughter Diane.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, Friday, January 3, 2025 at Saints Simon and Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA 19382, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM. All are welcome to celebrate Charlie at a luncheon at the Springfield Country Club after Mass.

Interment is private. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.