Charles Hamilton Jones

Charlie was a gentle and loyal man who loved learning, music, science, history, the beach, tennis, bridge, ballroom dancing, travel, and his family and friends. He was raised in Brooklyn by his mother, Violet Seale, and grandmother “Mawsie” after they emigrated from the island of Barbados. His father Charles, originally of Jamaica, abandoned the family when Charlie was a year old. Charlie was unable to serve during World War II due to extremely poor eyesight, but his bright mind and excellent academic record earned him acceptance to the Cooper Union, a tuition-free college in Manhattan. His attendance there was accelerated due to the war, and he graduated in three years with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1946. Upon graduation, he worked for Seagram’s and later Bakelite and Union Carbide, from which he retired in 1985.

Charlie taught night classes at Arthur Murray’s Dance Studio in Newark, where he met and fell in love with fellow instructor Helen Hratko. They married in 1954 and had two children, Charles and Susan, upon whom he showered love, guidance and support throughout their lives. Although Charlie never knew his own father, he managed to become a generous and dedicated dad himself. Union Carbide took the family from New Jersey to Puerto Rico and Charleston, WV, where they lived even after Charlie’s retirement. Sadly, after 35 years of marriage, Helen died of cancer in 1989. Charlie was a devoted caretaker throughout her illness.

In 2009, Charlie moved to the Flatirons Terrace in Boulder to be closer to his family. Charles, grandson Karro, Susan, son-in-law Dean Birkenkamp, and granddaughters Juliana and Maya were thus able to enjoy having him close and be witness to his enthusiasm and intellect for a couple of precious years before he began to fade due to the Alzheimer’s. However, his agreeableness and sense of humor lasted until the end, to which the wonderful, dedicated staff of Sunrise where Charlie spent his last two years can attest.

Charlie will be much missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. An informal celebration of life will be held at Sunrise Senior Living in the Reminiscence Unit on October 23 at 2 pm. All are encouraged to attend.

Any gifts in Charlie’s honor should be directed to the Cooper Union Annual Fund (cooper.edu/give) or to the Alzheimer’s Association “In memory of Charles H. Jones.” Arrangements under the direction of Crist Mortuary, Boulder, CO.