Charlie was a wonderful, caring, and quick-witted person who loved his family and friends. He loved to cook, make kielbasa, was proficient in archery and loved music. He also loved to hang out, play cards and laugh. He and Carol loved traveling Michigan and seeing new things. He loved all things Packers. Go Pack Go!
His real claim to fame was being #4 in Grand Rapids to receive a heart transplant from the Meijer Heart Center at Spectrum 11 years ago. By allowing them to put a new heart in him, it helped them get accredited to help more than 150 other people to receive the gift of life and live! That also gave him 11 more years than he wouldn’t have had otherwise, and he enjoyed good health for most of that time and for that, we are so thankful.
Charlie was preceded in death by his father, Norman Nawrot, Mother, Marjorie “Midge” Golczynski and stepdad, Rich Golczynski, along with his sister, Carolyn, nephew, Shawn, sister-in-law, Sylvia, and his first spouse, Mary.
He is survived by his loving fiancé, Carol Hancock, and his stepchildren; Elizabeth (Dan) Joyce, Zachary (Rachel) Hancock, Bill Hancock, and three grand girls whom he adored; Leighton Joanne and Quinn Frances Joyce, and Hadley Rose Hancock; Sister and brother-in-law, Mary Goeldel and Andrew Goeldel and in- laws Thomas and Margaret Goeldel. He is also survived by his brothers and sister and their spouses, Dan and (Karen) Nawrot, Jack Nawrot, David and (Laura) Nawrot, Theresa and (Carey) Patton, Eric and (Amy) Nawrot, and brother-in-law Dennis Arp; and many much loved nieces, nephews, cousins and stepbrothers & stepsisters, and his best friend for many years, Steve Savickas. He happily inherited three step kids, Dawn Boomers, Della Graczyk and Dale Hancock II and their families.
Charlie will be cremated per his wishes. Visitation will be held on Thursday May 26th from 4:00-7:00 PM and rosary at 7:00 PM at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday May 27th at 11:00 AM at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Rd., NE, Grand Rapids, MI. Luncheon to follow at St. Judes.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful teams at Spectrum Heart Transplant Center, Spectrum Hospital team on 6S, Lemmen Holton, and Spectrum Hospice that so lovingly cared for Charlie during his heart journey.
Memorial Contributions to the Spectrum Health, Spectrum Hospice, or Gift of Life “In Honor of Charlie Nawrot” would be appreciated. Envelopes available at the funeral home.
