Charles James Wassell

Charles James Wassell, 82, of Stuart, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2023, at the Treasure Coast Harper House Hospice facility located in Stuart. He was born on December 26, 1940, in Pittston, Pennsylvania, to Charles Wassell and Elizabeth (Betty) Wassell (née O’Donnell).

Charles received his education at St. Bernadette's Catholic School in Drexel Hill, PA during his primary years and later attended Upper Darby and Haverford High Schools where he was an important part of the Junior Varsity and then Varsity football teams. Jim was awarded an athletic scholarship and furthered his education at West Chester State College.

Charles, most commonly known as Jim to his friends and co-workers, began his professional career serving briefly as a clerk in the FBI Philadelphia Field Office. Jim then served proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1961-1962. Jim drove a bus for the Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Company, which was known as the "Red Arrow Lines." The Red Arrow Lines would eventually become part of SEPTA. Jim had a long and successful career working at SEPTA for over 30 years. Jim served in various positions at the organization and eventually became an integral part of the Systems Safety Division as a Technical Writer at their 8th and Market Streets office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Following his retirement from SEPTA in 2000, Jim took a role as a Housing Security Officer at Villanova University. He then went on to join the Marple Newtown School District, where he dedicated approximately 10 years as a school bus driver before retiring and relocating to Stuart, Florida.

Jim was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, college basketball fan, as well as a huge car enthusiast. Jim’s favorite hobby was washing and waxing his various cars throughout the years. Jim also loved music of all kinds, especially the music from when he was a teenager. Jim loved burning music onto CD's for his friends and family.

Jim is survived by his longtime girlfriend, Cindy Jenkins of Stuart, FL and his children; Susan Gross of Newtown Square, PA; Michael Wassell (Anne) of Charlotte, NC; Stephen Wassell of West Chester, PA; and Gregory Wassell (Amy) of Eagleville, PA. Jim leaves behind nine grandchildren: Kevin Gross (Alana) of Exton, PA; Keith Gross of Newtown Square, PA; Nicholas and Sarah Wassell of Charlotte, NC; Lindsey and Lauren Wassell of West Chester, PA, Evan and Jillian Wassell of Eagleville, PA and Camilla Astrologo of West Palm Beach, FL. Additionally, he is survived by his great-grandchild, Everleigh D'Ambrosio of Exton, PA and Cindy's daughter, Brittany Astrologo and her husband Robert of West Palm Beach, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of Charles J. Wassell to Treasure Coast Hospice via online at: https://www.treasurehealth.org/292/Donate

Family and friends are invited to greet the family on January 12, 2024, 10:00 – 11:00 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA  19073, 610-353-6300. A Funeral Service for Jim will follow at 11:00 AM.  Interment will be held privately.