Charles “Chuck” Lee Holcombe, age 96, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. Born on January 14, 1929, in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, he was the eldest of five children to Charles and Cecylle Holcombe. In 1936, his family relocated to Chester, Pennsylvania, during the Great Depression, where he grew up and graduated from Chester high school in 1947.
In 1948, Chuck began working with the Merchant Marine Service, serving on Sun Oil tankers. Shortly after, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War. During his time in the USAF, he worked as a ground radio operator before becoming the radio operator on a B-29 crew in Strategic Air Command. Chuck was honorably discharged in July 1952.
He met the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” Elizabeth Amalfitano, at a dance in Chester. He said “there was something special about her” and they married in August 1956 before settling in Delaware. In 1957, Chuck began a long and fulfilling career with the DuPont Company, where he worked as a technical assistant in the Textile Fibers Department until his retirement in February 1992.
Chuck’s love for adventure and the outdoors was evident through his passion for boating, water skiing, and camping. A dedicated boater for over 40 years, he shared his joy of the water with family and friends. In 1978, chuck and his family embarked on a memorable 7-week camping trip to California and back, and in 1999, he and Peggy enjoyed another 8-week journey across the country, which included Alaska. He passed on his love of travel to his children and grandchildren.
Chuck shared a special bond with his siblings, Joan (Don) Roat, Ben (Grace) Holcombe, Alan (Punky) Holcombe, and Gretchen (Spank) Ellixson. He and his brothers were notorious for playing practical jokes on each other, creating a lifetime of fun memories that his family still fondly remembers. Joan, Ben, and Alan all preceded him in death, while his sister, Gretchen Ellixson, of Wilmington, DE, survives him.
In addition to his love of boating and outdoor activities, Chuck had a passion for ping pong. He spent countless hours playing the game with his children and grandchildren, creating cherished memories around the ping pong table filled with friendly competition and laughter. He also enjoyed playing chess with his brother Alan, and his friends at Maris Grove, as well as reading and playing cards. He taught his children, some nieces and nephews and grandchildren the game of pinochle.
In his retirement years, Chuck and Peggy took up ballroom dancing, spending their Friday nights at the Stardust Ballroom in Pennsauken, where they danced the night away. Their love for dance became one of their many shared passions.
After his beloved wife of 53 years passed in 2009, Chuck lived with his daughter Judy and her husband Chuck Spence and children, where he enjoyed the love and support of family during his final chapter.
Chuck is survived by his loving children: Judy (Chuck) Spence, Margie (Russ) Rowles, Charles (Tammy) Holcombe, and Jennifer (Ara) Holcombe. He was a proud grandfather of nine grandchildren: Erin (Josh) Starks, Chase Spence, Dalton Rowles, Marti Rowles, Andy (Katie) Holcombe, Brandon (Rebekah) Holcombe, Darby (Jeff) Westerberg, Josh Westerberg, and Riley Westerberg; and four great-grandchildren: Charlee Holcombe, Harper Holcombe, Grayson Holcombe, and Hayden Holcombe.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. Chucks legacy of love, adventure, and joy for life will remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate to have known him.
A viewing will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Monday, May 12 at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home (3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808) where funeral services will also be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 13. Interment at Edgewood Memorial Park will follow services.
