Charles "Chuck" Schleich

Charles "Chuck" "CW" Schleich August 5, 1939 - April 23, 2025 "With trust in God and spirit strong"

 It is with profound sorrow and hearts full of love that we share the peaceful passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Charles "Chuck" Schleich. Charles left this world on April 23, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by comfort and care in his home at The Baldwin House in Daphne, Alabama.

Known affectionately as "Poppy," Charles was a beacon of joy, charm, and humor. He brightened every room with his quick wit, boundless energy, and signature twinkle in his eye. Born in the Bronx, New York on August 5, 1939, Charles was the cherished only child of Susan Vagonis and Charles Edward Schleich. He was raised in the Catholic faith and received all his sacraments with reverence and devotion.

Charles spent his formative years in Roselle Park and Elizabeth, New Jersey, where his athletic prowess shone on the basketball and baseball courts of Jefferson High School. He graduated in 1957 with "trust in God and spirit strong"-a motto that he truly lived by.

After high school, Charles proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. As a paratrooper in the elite 82nd Airborne Division, he trained at Fort Bragg and was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1963, never without pride in the insignia inked on his left forearm, a lifelong tribute to his service.

Charles was a creative soul with an entrepreneurial spirit. He designed and ran a women's fashion boutique, Topsyde Limited, in the Elmora section of Elizabeth, and later devoted many years to USF Red Star. His love for children led him to a joyful post-retirement role as a school bus driver for Bridgewater Township-just one more way he brightened young lives.

A natural adventurer at heart, Charles enjoyed life to the fullest across many New Jersey towns-from Bridgewater and Watchung to the coastal calm of Little Egg Harbor. In the golden season of his life, he found new joy near family in Daphne, Alabama, where he shared cherished companionship with Ms. Barbara Dowling.

He was a nature lover and true sun-seeker, happiest when walking with his beloved boxer dogs-Rocky, Zack, and Cody-or basking in the sunshine on the beaches of Pt. Pleasant. He treasured those moments most with his daughter Stephanie and a tight-knit circle of family and friends.

Charles's passion for the arts was equally vivid. He found beauty in music, language, theatre, and film. Sundays were sacred not only for faith but for football with his lifelong crew-the "Brady Bunch." But above all, his greatest joy was his grandchildren. Whether cheering at ball games, leading impromptu lessons on government, hosting "gentlemen and ladies" dinners, or just laughing with "My Boy" Dylan, "Coltraine" Cole, and "L-Train" Elle-Charles was magic in their world.

Charles is deeply loved and will be dearly missed by his children: Stephanie Ann Cecchini (Stephen) of Fairhope, Alabama; Scott Laurence Schleich of Cary, North Carolina; and Elizabeth Grigsby (Jerry) of Livermore, California. He leaves behind grandchildren: Dylan Anthony Cecchini (Rebecca Ann), Cole Gailyn McDoniell (Jeremy Dylan), Elle Mae Cecchini, Kim Ferreira (Nathan), and Beth Grigsby-Gospodarek (Justin); and great-grandchildren: Reagan James McDoniell, Francesca Ann Cecchini, Cameron Stephen McDoniell, Genevieve and Isabella Ferreira.

Charles lived a life filled with laughter, warmth, and love. His spirit will live on in the stories we tell, the songs we sing, and the lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home & Chapel in Fairhope, Alabama on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM, followed by a Private  Repast at Hope Farms Loft at 7:00 PM. A joyful Celebration of Life will take place this summer at Pt. Pleasant Beach, New Jersey.

To honor Charles's legacy, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or flowers may be sent to his family in his memory.

ARRANGEMENTS BY
WOLFE-BAYVIEW
FUNERAL HOMES
& CREMATORY, INC.
19698 GREENO RD.
FAIRHOPE AL. 36532
(251) 990-7775
www.wolfefuneralhomes.com