Charles Londa Sr.

Charles Londa, Sr., 88, passed away peacefully at home February 17th after a short battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A native of Elizabeth, New Jersey, Charles was born on August 9, 1927, to the late Ida “Jess" Jester and Benjamin Londa. Charles was the loving husband of Mafelda “Jackie” Londa of White River Junction, Vermont, and devoted and loving father to their three children, Jeffrey, Patti, and Charles, Jr.

While in NYC, Charles met and fell in love with Jackie Izzo. They were married at the Corpus Christi Church in NYC with a lovely reception at the Tavern on the Green on November 23, 1950. The first few years of their lives together were lived in Jackson Heights, NYC. It was there that Jeffrey and Patti were born while Charles, Jr. was born in Watford, England. They recently enjoyed their 65th wedding anniversary among friends and family.

Charles graduated from Jefferson High School in Elizabeth, NJ. After graduation, he attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts before serving in the Occupational Army in Japan in the 63rd Artillery Battalion of the 24th Infantry Division after the end of World War II during 1946-1947. After serving his country in the Army, Charles continued his education at Columbia College at Columbia University in New York City where he graduated with high honors.

After college graduation, Charles began his employment with Gulf Oil Corporation in NYC in its Foreign Production Division. He was instrumental in establishing Gulf Eastern Hemisphere in London where he relocated with his family in 1955 as a Financial Representative of Production Explorations and Secretary of the Coordinating Committee and Manager of Economic Analysis. During this time, he spent considerable time in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. After living abroad for almost 10 years, the family moved to Gulf Oil’s headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After five years in Pittsburgh, the family moved to Houston, Texas where Charles performed many duties for Gulf Oil such as Comptroller of the Crude Oil and Refinery Group. He was a dedicated and well-respected employee at Gulf Oil where he worked until his retirement in 1982.

Charles was a driven man in all he tried to accomplish. He took his work and family life very seriously. In his early years, he enjoyed time with Rose Londa, his paternal grandmother, whom he loved so much. Weekends were busy times for him spending every Friday night eating and visiting with aunts, uncles, and cousins at his grandmother’s house; then Sundays were spent going to Presbyterian Church services and classes. When his parents were unable to care for themselves, he took it upon himself to move them to Houston where he cared for them meticulously until their passing.

After retirement, Charles enjoyed reading, playing golf, gardening, swimming, walking, and summer vacations in Quechee, Vermont. He was instrumental in obtaining excellent benefits for retirees from the Gulf Oil Pension Fund. Being a diehard Democrat, he was passionate about politics and followed political and world events carefully. And, in the midst of Republican territory, he was proud to place his Democratic signs in his yard and in the windows of his home. He wrote many opinion pieces for the New York Times. Charles took great pride in his extensive library. He loved books, reading, and learning. His love of history is evident by the vast amount of historical books in his library. And, his love of world events is evident by his plethora of magazine and newspaper subscriptions to Foreign Affairs, The Economist, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, National Geographic, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and many others. Charles, along with his wife, facilitated an adult Bible study for many years at St. John Vianney’s Catholic Church.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister Yvonne Bartemy. He leaves behind son Jeffrey Londa and wife Lori; daughter Patti Londa Greene and husband John; and son Charles Londa, Jr. and wife Melissa. He adored his grandchildren. Charles was “Grandfather” to Ben Londa and wife Jenny; Jennifer Greene Colley and husband Coby; John Greene, Jr. and wife Danielle; Jimmy Greene and wife Melissa; Michael Londa and wife Katie; Kelly Londa; and Madeleine Londa. His great-grandchildren include Camren Colley, Crew Colley, Chandler Colley, Davy Londa, Kinley Greene, and Harper Greene.

Charles also leaves behind his cousins, many loyal friends, and neighbors.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, February 26th at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church located at 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, Texas in the Activity Center. Charles will be laid to rest at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home at 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079 with family by his side. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. Information for donating by mail, online, or phone can be located on the American Cancer Society web site at http://bit.ly/1XeLYH7. Mailing address is the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.