Charles F Kohler

Charles (Chuck) F. Kohler, a longtime resident of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away on January 8,

2019 at Suncoast Hospice in Palm Harbor, Florida. He was 91. The son of Charles F. and Ella (Mackay) Kohler was born on November 19, 1927 in Astoria, Queens, NY. In

1944, at the age of 16, he started working a long and distinguished career with Western Electric Co., which lasted over 43 years. Chuck worked as its head Quality Auditor in South Korea when AT&T embarked on a major project to increase operations in that country. Chuck strongly believed in service to his country and to his community. In 1945, he enlisted in the military and served as a China Marine. Chuck earned numerous medals for his service and received an Honorable Discharge in 1949 at the rank of Corporal. In

1955, he enlisted in the U.S. National Guard, stationed in Smithtown, NY, and served as a firearms instructor. Chuck achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. In 1951, he married Theresa Cyr and together they had five children: Susan, Stephen, Charles, Michael and Edward. They made their home in East Northport, NY. They parted ways in 1966. In 1969, Chuck married Catherine Jackala and together had two daughters: Christine and Kathryn. They made their home in Elmont, NY, where Chuck became a division leader for the Elmont Civilian Patrol. After Chuck retired in 1987, they moved to Miramar, Florida. On October 23, 1987 he saved the life of an eighteen-month-old baby pulled from a swimming pool unresponsive. Chuck started CPR and she regained consciousness. Chuck received a Public Award for Heroism from the mayor of the city on November

16, 1987. Chuck and Catherine parted ways in 1993 and Chuck became a resident of St. Petersburg, Florida. Chuck’s passion was writing and publishing children’s short stories under the pen name of Charles Francis. He published a novel titled “Operation Cat Scam,” along with his memoir titled “I Remember When.” By Charles F. Kohler. He is survived by his brother Fredrick (PJ) Kohler and by his seven children: Susan (Bob) Koerber, Stephen (Angela) Kohler, Charles (Pamela) Kohler, Michael (Marianna) Kohler, Edward Kohler, Christine Kohler and Kathryn Romano. Chuck is also survived by fifteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He also will be mourned by his extensive family of nieces and nephews. Chuck will be sadly missed by countless orphaned squirrels and birds. Chuck’s family would like to extend with great love, the passionate care that Suncoast Hospice bestowed upon their father and family during his time there. They would also like to thank the staff of Grand Villa of St. Petersburg for adding such loving care to his life during his stay with them. They made a huge difference and gave peace of mind to his family. Funeral arrangements are under the trusted care of Memorial Park Funeral Home. Visit memorialparkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements will be private to the family with memorial services at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Suncoast Hospice Foundation at 5771 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33760 or suncoasthospicefoundation.org.

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