"I was so sad to hear about Charlie, he was absolutly wonderful with me when Gerry passed away, even though they knew each other growing up, he was very kind to me. May God bless your Family and I am sorry I didn't know sooner. I will pray for your healing, for I know it isn't easy. Sincerely, Maria Destremps"
In loving memory of
Charles A. Edenbach Jr
August 11, 1939 - September 13, 2003
Middletown, RI - Charles A. Edenbach, Jr., of 80 Esplanade Middletown, died Saturday, September 13, 2003 at home. He was the husband of Joan K. Egan Edenbach of Middletown. He was born in Newport, RI on August 11, 1939; he was the son of the late Charles A. and Loretta Sullivan Edenbach. Mr. Edenbach was a funeral director and owner of the Memorial, Hambly, and Connors Funeral Homes with his brother Robert and his son Kurt. His father started the Memorial Funeral Home in 1932, and Charles joined him in 1958. Mr. Edenbach and his brother Robert acquired Hambly Funeral Home in 1974, and Connors Funeral Home in 1983. He was a graduate of DeLaSalle Academy, class of 1957, and graduated from Holy Cross College with a Bachelors Degree in Economics in 1961. Charlie was a past president of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, and a past president of the Newport County YMCA. At the YMCA he also served as chairman of the building committee in 1985 and led its major campaign for the construction of the current gymnasium. He was also past president of the Newport Lions Club and a member of the Newport Knights of Columbus #256 and the General Rosecrans Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He was a member of Wanumetonomy Golf and Country Club and of the Newport Yacht Club. He was an active member of the National Funeral Directors Association and Selected Independent Funeral Homes and also served on the Board of Governors for the Rhode Island Funeral Directors Association. Charlie was a member of the American Funeral Directors/US Exchange, in which he traveled with his wife Joan to numerous countries including Russia, Cuba, South Africa, and China to learn about funeral service customs in other countries. Mr. Edenbach enjoyed sailing on his boat ?Halycon Ways? on Narragansett Bay and skiing in Vermont with his family, and travelling throughout the world with his wife and friends.He is survived by his wife Joan Egan Edenbach of Middletown, RI, his daughter Christine A. Edenbach of Portsmouth, RI, his three sons Charles A. Edenbach III and Kurt M. Edenbach, both of Newport, RI, and John N. Edenbach of Middletown, RI and New York, NY, one brother Robert S. Edenbach of Portsmouth, RI, and four nephews and one niece. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2003, at 10:00am with a Mass of Christian burial at St. Josephs Church, Broadway And Mann Avenue, Newport. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Donations in his memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Services Of Newport Bristol Counties, Hospice Care, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Tributes
"Charlie has left a great void on the Island. He will be greatly missed by myself and my family as I had wanted Charlie there when anyone in my family passed on."
"I would like to send my deepest sympathy to the family of Charlie. I have known Charlie for some time. He has served at several funerals for our family. He always showed such sympathy for the families. I also know his brother Bob who is also a very special caring person. My we all remember Charlie for all his many accomplishments."
"I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the Edenbach family and friends. May peace be with you during these difficult times."
"I've just found out today of Charlie's passing and can't express enough my saddness at his loss. We had many family members waked from Memorial Funeral Home and Charlie was always so kind and helpful. Always going the extra mile to help in the stressful times of losing a loved one. The community has lost a valuable member; the world has lost a valuable human being. My prayers go out to your family and I pray that God will give you comfort in your time of loss. With Deepest Sympathy,"
"This was very shocking to me. Very sorry for Kurt and all the family. I attended school with Kurt growing up in the fifth ward for 9yrs. My father is Jack Richardson from Beach Hardware. This has been a saddening week seeing Mr. Edenbach and Mr. John Manchester Sr.."
"Dear Joan & family, Our hearts go out to you all during this difficult time. Charlie was a real class act and a joy to spend time with. We miss him already. Please don't hesitate to write or call if we can help in any way. Take care. In friendship, Lisa & Michael Lopes"
"Though I cannot be there for Charlie's Mass, my thoughts and prayers are with his family. I knew Charlie through St. Joseph's and held a high regard for his compassion and professionalism. I wish you God's Peace."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Fondly, Jessica & Matt"
"I last spoke to Charles during my bother's funeral in February, 1997. Louis J. Barry I worked for his father at Memorial one summer 1947 or 1948 while attending college and remember Charles when he was a young lad. Mary and I send our deepest condolences to the family. Bob& Mary Barry"
"John, I am truly sory for this great loss to your family. My prayers go out to you and your family for strength and healing. Andrew"
"My deepest paryers goes out to the family and friends. He's in a good place now looking down on us with loving arms to guide us thur these time. May God be with all of you. Mrs. Calvin Jenkins and family"
"I am so sorry for the passing of your father/brother/husband."
"Dear Bob and Family, I was saddened to read of your brother's death. Charlie was a real gentleman. It's amazing all the things that he did for our community. You must have had so many good times together. I pray that God comforts you in this difficult time. I have great confidence that Charlie is in a better place. Charley Collins"
"Dear Joan and Family, We have only met once or twice over the years. The Harrington's are our dear friends and we have kept your husband in our prayers these past few months. The joyous memories the Harrington's shared with us on your trip in March to Thailand will some day bring smiles and joy to you. You have our deepest sympathy and will remain in our prayers. Bobbi and Neil McAneny"
"Dear Joanie: You and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness and loss. I am glad I had the opportunity to spend an eve with you and Charlie a couple of years ago at Maggie's wedding. Sincerely, Kathy Grant"
"I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with your family, especially with Kurt and Meg, at this time. I wish that I could be there for the service, but work obligations will keep me in CT. Please know that I am there in spirit. -Nicole Kurt's friend from F&M"
"I am so very sorry for your loss. Charlie helped many families deal with the responsibilities after the loss of your loved one, may your family also find peace."
"We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Joan, family and extended families on the passing of your dear husband,Charlie, father and brother. We hope the memories you shared together, will help you through this difficult time. God Bless You, Frank and Vicki Rape"
"Dear Joan and family, You have all been in my prayers since our class reunion and we heard that you were not there because Charlie was in such serious condition. My prayerful sympathies to you and all the Edenbach families. I will list you all in the book for prayers at the Elms College chapel. Sincerely, Eileen"