Charles E. Songster

Educator and basketball coach Charles E. Songster, 81, died on May 11, 2017. He was born and lived in Springfield, PA until he became a resident of St. Francis County House five years ago. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1954 and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Villanova University in 1958 and his Master’s Degree from Temple University in 1964. Mr. Songster taught Junior High School Science and became an Assistant Principal in the Morton Borough School District until1965 when he joined the staff at Cheyney University. He was the Assistant Basketball Coach at Cheyney University from 1967 to1982 when he became the Head Basketball Coach, a position he held until 1989. He was also an Assistant Professor of Education who was in charge of student teachers when he retired in May 2000 after 35 years of service.

Coach Songster was inducted into the Cheyney University Hall of Fame on October 28, 1994, the Delaware County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame on June 3, 2001 and the Philadelphia Area Small Colleges Coaches Association Hall of Fame on March 12, 2012.

He was the beloved son of James T., Sr. and Sarah (nee McMichael) Songster; brother of the late James T. Songster, Jr., Dorothy S. Jairdullo, Grace Songster, William F. Songster and John H. Songster. He is survived by his sisterin-law, Mary K. Songster; his nephews, Charles Jairdullo, Francis Jairdullo, and William Songster; his nieces, Maureen Solometo and Grace Harner; 9 great nieces and nephews and 7 great great nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing, Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 10am in St. Kevin Church, 200 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield, PA 19064. His Funeral Mass will follow at 11am. Interment SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery.