Charles J. King of Wilmington passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026, with his family by his side. Born on June 26, 1931, to the late Charles S. ‘Bing’ King and Grace (McVey) King, he was blessed with a full and meaningful life of 95 years.
A lifelong Delaware resident, Charlie lived in Claymont, Wilmington, Bethany Beach, and Lewes, where he built a life centered on faith, family, and community.
He was a proud graduate of Salesianum School, Class of 1949. After attending Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951. Demonstrating remarkable determination and perseverance, he later earned his degree from PMC College (now Widener University), attending evening classes while working full time and raising young children.
Charlie spent his professional career in accounting, working for DuPont and Hercules/Himont. Yet his greatest achievement and deepest source of pride was his family. He delighted in the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and nothing brought him greater happiness than having them all together. Among his most treasured memories were celebrating his milestone birthday gatherings in the Outer Banks with the entire family. As Charlie reflected in his own words, “I had a wonderful early life, a truly great marriage to the best wife in the world, and a beautiful family. A man cannot ask for much more than this.”
A devout Catholic, Charlie generously shared his time and talents with several parishes in the Diocese of Wilmington. He served on parish finance committees, sang in folk groups, and served as a lector at Mass. His commitment to his faith remained steadfast throughout his life. In fact, just one week before his passing, he delivered his final reading during a service at Forwood Estates.
In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his sister, Catherine Stumm.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Katharine ‘Kay’ (Mitchell) King; his brother, Michael King (Ronnie) of Calgary; his four children, Patrick King of Kenai, Alaska, Mary Ellen Crisp (Terry) of Leland, North Carolina, Teresa King of Firestone, Colorado, and Maureen McCarthy (Dennis) of Wilmington, Delaware; eleven grandchildren, Bradley Van Kleeck (Susan), Marc Van Kleeck (Carlyn), Aimee Van Kleeck (Will), Erin Van Kleeck, Hanna King (Brendan), Noah King (Becca), Shea Ramsden (Kaitlin), Grace Ramsden (Karah), Nicolette Anderson, Emily McCarthy (Cory), and Jack McCarthy (Kali); and ten great-grandchildren, Connor, Madeline, Ryder, Reese, Ellis, Penelope, Theodore, Walker, Ruby, and Rose.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4701 Weldin Road, Wilmington, Delaware followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staffs of Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of Middletown, Forwood Assisted Living, and Accent Hospice for the compassionate care, kindness, and dignity they provided during Charlie’s final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlie’s name to Salesianum School, 1801 N. Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19802.
