"I had the privilege of being a close friend of Charles back in my Orange County, NY days. We both had been involved in the pre-internet "Bulletin Board" circuit, which we both enjoyed a great deal. Charles and I grew close when he helped me through some of my darkest times. He was always there when I needed him. When I met my wife Michele, he was there to make sure I knew I had such a good thing going. We started our fledgling careers in the New York City financial sector. Over time we lost touch as our careers took us in different directions. I did my best to try to keep track of him, finally finding him on LinkedIn some time ago. I was happy to hear that he had found his faith. This was obviously a very profound discovery for Charles, and I was happy that he had found that which so many seek. I was a bit nervous to hear that he had been going through some health issues - but my view of Charles made me somewhat naive. After all, This is CHARLES we're talking about! The strapping, handsome and clean cut man that EVERY man strived to be! Of course Charles downplayed his recent illness. After our email conversation, it sounded as if everything was under control and that this illness was on its way out the door. But now I see we have lost the most kind, good-hearted man this world has ever known. It crushes me to think that the world doesn't have his company, as knowing Charles has been one of those incredibly rare highlights of my life. Michele and I are profoundly saddened as the news of his passing, and the only comfort I can take in this news is that I had the distinct honor of having been Charles's friend. Charles made me a better man. He gave me the gift of his friendship, and I will strive to never spoil that gift. May the heavens welcome you as the Saint you are. "
In loving memory of
Charles D. Tasopulos
October 20, 1965 - July 26, 2011
Charles Tasopulos, 45, of Springboro, died Tuesday morning.
He was born to Charles and Jeannette Bruyn, October 20, 1965, in Cornwall, NY. He was the older brother to Jake Bruyn a resident of Cornwall New York. Charles graduated from Cornwall High School in 1982 and received a BA in Computer Science and a BFA in Business from the Mt. St. Mary College in 1990. He married his true love Vicky Underwood in 1998 and lived in Norwalk Ct. until 2002 when they moved back to Ohio to have their daughter Journey.
Charles started the computer club at Mt. St. Mary College where he taught as well. Charles worked hard from an early age folding pizza boxes at age 10 and then after graduating college he worked for Instinet in New York City as a ACE Star Client Engineer where he placed large networks in for NY stock traders. The company was due to move into the Work Trade Center but the move kept getting delayed and the last move date was 9/14 and Charles was spared the harsh reality of the 9/11. Back in Ohio Charles worked for Siemens IT Solutions corporation starting in 2004 and quickly was promoted from Senior Engineer to Problem Management where he excelled at saving the company money and solving large corporate server problems. Because of Charles great technical skills and knowledge he was able to obtain a Lean Sig Sigma Green Belt in 2008 and passed Intel V2 in 2008 and Intel V3 in 2011.
Most importantly Charles was a strong Christian man with great faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. He was active in both the Centerville Adventist Church and felt a deep love for the people there and worshipped with a passion at the Crossview Church in Waynesville on Sundays.
Charles is survived by his daughter: Journey (9 yrs) and his wife Vicky.
A life celebration service will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at Anderson Funeral Home, 40 N. Main St., Springboro. Burial in David's Cemetery. Online condolences www.anderson-fh.com.
Tributes
"To Charles A peaceful journey to you my friend you will be missed dearly and you will not be forgotten. "
"Vicky and Journey, I offer my sincerest condolences to your family during this difficult time. Charles was my co-worker at Siemens (ATOS). He was a kind person, and always willing to help. He will be missed. "
"Dear Vicky and Journey! We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and your dad! Charles was very kind and friendly and always looked up to God. We will always treasure the special memory when you were looking for a new house and when we had special lunch together. Journey you were a such a cute little girl! Vicky, God will give your strength to go on! Let us know if you need anything! You are in our prayers! Ingrid, John, Kimberly and Michelle McCalmont"
"Vicki and Journey, I am so sorry for your loss. My Daughter Ashley and Journey took dance class together back in 2008. You are both in our family's prayers."
"How do I pick a favorite memory when here is a man who changed my life forever? It is more of what he taught me and the great love we felt for one another. He was unique, and amazing and smart and kind and funny and handsome. He was a great Daddy and loved to talk about the Lord to anyone. He used grab the nurses at the hospital and ask them if they were saved and then pray for them. I will miss him and hold all that he taught me close and I won't forget. I told him so. We will be together again someday when our great Lord comes back! What will I miss most? Him taking care of me. "
"May the Lord uphold you as you walk through this very tough time. I remember you both along with Journey from Ridgeville Christian School. You two were always so willing to give of your time and talents. In His Love, The Sledge Family"
"Charles was a kind, loving, generous man who was dedicated to his family. Always ready with a smile and a kind word. We lost him much too soon and he will be forever missed. Vicky, my thoughts and prayers are with you and Journey. He is with God now and we will see him again. "
"Charles was a co-worker, brother in Christ and a very good man. He will be missed by all who knew him. I am thankful for knowing him and thankful he is at peace with his savior."
"I worked with Charles and he was one of the friendliest people I knew. Our jobs were challenging but he was not one to complain and was very easy to talk to. I wish his family the best and give my condolences. Charles will definately be missed."
"This video was made by Journey when we went to Disney world in 2010. We had so much fun that trip - such a wonderful memory of him."
"Charles was a kind man and valuable member of our small team at Siemens (now Atos). Our work is often an intense challenge, but he always approached it with grace. He will be missed as our friend."
"Charles had a kind Christian spirit and trusted the Lord on a daily basis. He faced his greatest challenge with a strong faith."