José A. Charles

CHARLES, José Antonio, 76 years old of Pataskala, Ohio passed away peacefully on May 27, 2021 in Newark Care and Rehabilitation Nursing Home, where he had been a resident the past two years. Many thanks to the caring staff and nurses, especially his favorite nurse Lisa Marie. Born on October 22, 1944 in Punta de Mata, Estado Monagas in Venezuela, South America, he is preceded in death by his parents, José Antonio Ponce and Henriqueta Charles Jones of Venezuela. José first came to the United States at the age of 23 years to study aviation. A true believer in education and its advantages, he attended Wichita State University as well as Pima College in Tucson, Arizona. He proudly became a naturalized U.S. citizen in1980. José earned numerous FAA aviation licenses over his long aviation career: Airline Transport Pilot, Flight Instructor, Ground Instructor, Aircraft & Powerplant Mechanic and also Aircraft Inspector. José retired from American Airlines (US Airways) in 2014, after a 24-year career as an aircraft mechanic. He was owner and founder of Pronto Aviation. The owner of three Cessna aircraft, José gave flying lessons out of Newark/Heath Airport. Being up in the sky amidst the clouds was his one true love, and he shared that love with many aspiring flight students.

José was a long-time member of AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) and also a member of the Free Masons, Bestor G. Brown Lodge #433 of Wichita, Kansas. He enjoyed reading about American history and other cultures. He also dearly loved Latin music and ballroom dancing. And dancing remained his favorite activity until Parkinson’s Disease gave him balance challenges.

José leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Gail Heffner and his five children: David José (Milly) Charles of Venezuela, Disa (Brint) Parks of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Damon Charles, Amanda (Matthew) Stetson of Phoenix, Arizona and Antonio (fiancée Ebbie) Charles of Amarillo Texas. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Celeste Charles, Aasra Parks, River Parks in the U.S. and Davismar Elizabeth and Daviana in Venezuela; as well as great-granddaughters, Mia Chantal, Michel Miranda and Monzerath in Ecuador. His siblings in Texas surviving him are: Moutty (Mary) Charles, Margarita (Mark) Yeandle, Enrique (Blanca) Charles and Israel (Martha) Charles. His siblings in Venezuela are: Carlos and Josefina. He is also survived by sisters, Mercedes (Rudy) Lemos of Connecticut and Josephine Ponce of Barcelona, Spain. Plus there are many dear nieces and nephews, especially Juancito Luna. and Angel David Charles.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, June 2nd from 5 to 8 p.m. at Kauber-Fraley Funeral Home, 289 S. Main Street in Pataskala, Ohio. On Thursday, June 3rd there will be calling hours one hour before the funeral service at 10 a.m. at Kauber-Fraley. Pastor Al Swartz of David Lutheran Church, Canal Winchester will be the officiant. Burial will take place at the Pataskala Cemetery with Pastor Al officiating. A celebration of life luncheon for all family and friends will be held at David Lutheran Church, 300 Groveport Road, Canal Winchester, Ohio following the burial.

Social distancing will be encouraged, and masks will be required.

Donations in José’s memory can be made to Parkinson’s Research at apdaparkinsons.org or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org or Diabetes Research at www.diabetes.org.