Charles P. Taaffe

Charles P. Taaffe. April 20, 1950- October 29, 2019. Charlie was born in Albany, New York to parents Charles A. Taaffe and Catherine (Sillery) Taaffe. Early on in his life, Charlie discovered his passion for the game of football, successfully quarterbacking teams at Cardinal McCloskey High School and then at Clemson University and Siena College where his playing career ended. Prior to continuing his professional life, pride in his country and the emerging Vietnam War prompted Charlie to enroll voluntarily in Officer Candidate School for the United States Marine Corps, although he never served. It was his passion for the game that led to a lifelong pursuit in the game of football through coaching, where he enjoyed an extremely successful 42-year career spanning the east coast of the United States and Canada. His career afforded him and his family the opportunity to experience the world, but more importantly allowed Charlie to make a difference in the development of the lives of thousands of players, colleagues and friends. Charlie succumbed to a short battle with cancer Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando, Florida. He is survived by his loving wife Jan, their son Brian, sister Mary, brothers Bobby and Paul, nieces, nephews and other family members. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider a donation to the Charlie and Jan Taaffe Football Scholarship at The Citadel. This scholarship will be awarded to a walk-on football player who best exemplifies the qualities Charlie stood for as a coach, and those he will be remembered by in death. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Baldwin-Fairchild Goldenrod Chapel in Winter Park, FL. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. James Catholic Cathedral Downtown Orlando, Thursday, November 7th 2019 at 1:00 PM The family will host a Celebration of Life following the Funeral Mass from 2:30pm until 5:30pm at The Country Club of Orlando located at 1601 Country Club Drive, Orlando, Florida 32804. Charlie’s family would like to thank everyone for their support during this upsetting time. While they are very thankful for all the love and support that the fans, media and others have shown, it is respectfully requested that only those who had a close relationship with Charlie or his family attend. Thank you for your discretion.