Charles Edward Koenig

CONCORD-Charles Edward Koenig was born on November 9, 1924 in Jamaica, New York to Lillian (Fry) and Henry Koenig. He was the apple of his mother’s eye, and soon became the big brother to twin sisters Lillian and Eleanor.

Charley was good student and became eligible to attend the prestigious Brooklyn Technical High School, along with good friend, Bob Allyn. After completing high school, he enlisted in the Navy to do his part in World War II, serving in the Carrier Aircraft Unit. A very special event for him was the chance to participate in an Honor Flight in April 2015, which is a VIP tour of Washington DC for World War II veterans, accompanied by his daughter, Ellen.

Upon leaving the Navy, Charley went to work as a salesmen in the thermometer, barometer and pressure gauge industry, working first for Moeller Instrument Company, and later for Weksler Instruments of Freeport, NY, where he rose to the rank of Vice President in charge of sales. He traveled extensively across the country to visit various sales reps, and he was legendary for being able to name a great restaurant in almost every city or town in the US. He enjoyed great respect from all those he worked with, from factory workers to industry giants, as he always treated people decently.

Charley married Estelle (Garland) on September 17, 1949. They resided in Malverne, NY for 40 years, until they decided to move to New Hampshire to be closer to family. Right from the start, Concord felt like home, and they built a lovely home and made many friends.

Charley loved the water. For many years, he shared ownership of several sailboats with his best friend, Frank D’Antonio, and Charley, Frank and their kids spent many, many happy hours on the water. The stories of their epic sail around Long Island, including sailing around New York City, are still told. Of all their boats, the Cape Dory 25 was the pride of their fleet. They often sailed the boat until Thanksgiving weekend, wearing down parkas while the snowflakes fell.

Charley leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Estelle and his son Edward (Teri) of Mahwah, NJ and daughter Ellen (Steven O’Connor) of Concord, NH. Grandchildren include Christopher (Aja) Koenig, Melissa Stapleford (Tyson), Eric Koenig and Jonathan Koenig, Timothy O’Connor, Jesse O’Connor and Liz O’Connor.

A memorial service will held on Saturday, March 18 at 11:00 am at Trinity Baptist Church, 80 Clinton Street, Concord, NH. Burial will be private at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made either to Trinity Baptist Church, 80 Clinton Street, Concord NH, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN, 38105 or the Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association, 30 Pillsbury Street, Concord, NH, 03301, who provided excellent care for Charley at the end of his life.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Bennett Funeral Home of Concord.

Messages of condolence may be offered at www.bennettfuneral.com