Charles Michael Lederman

Charles ("Charlie" to all who knew and loved him) Michael Lederman, age 70, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep on the morning of June 22, 2026. Charlie was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1956, the son of Holocaust survivors Harry and Jenny (Goldstein) Lederman. He arrived into a new chapter of his family's history just three weeks after his parents entered the United States seeking refuge, opportunity, and hope. Throughout his life, Charlie carried forward their resilience, determination, and appreciation for the blessings of freedom and family. A gifted student with a remarkable intellect, Charlie graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor's Degree in Risk Management and Insurance and immediately began his career in the insurance industry. He achieved the rare distinction of completing all examinations necessary to become a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society in succession and, at the time, was the youngest Fellow in the Society's history. Although actuarial science challenged his brilliant mind, Charlie soon realized it was not where his true passion lay. He was an entrepreneur at heart. Over the decades that followed, he founded, acquired, advised, and helped grow numerous businesses. Whether creating a company from the ground up or helping organizations navigate financial and operational challenges, Charlie found joy in solving problems, building opportunities, and helping others succeed. The businesses he created, managed, or consulted for are too numerous to list, but the lives he touched through his work are immeasurable. A lifelong learner, Charlie never stopped pursuing knowledge. Years after completing his undergraduate studies, he returned to Temple University and earned a Master of Arts degree in Religion and Philosophy. He possessed a deep curiosity about the world and spent countless hours reading and studying history, religion, philosophy, and current events. Learning was not merely a hobby for Charlie; it was a way of life. Charlie was also a deeply religious man whose faith guided his life and relationships. His study of religion was never merely academic; it reflected a sincere desire to understand God's purpose and to live according to principles of kindness, integrity, humility, and service to others. Those who knew him best witnessed a man of deep conviction whose actions consistently reflected the virtues he cherished. His faith provided both a foundation and a compass throughout his life, shaping the way he approached family, friendship, business, and community. Yet among all of his accomplishments, Charlie's greatest source of happiness was love.

On April 22, 2005, Charlie married Virginia ("Ginny") Flick after years of friendship that blossomed into a profound and enduring partnership. Together they built a life filled with laughter, adventure, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion. Charlie often said Ginny was the love of his life, and Ginny said the same of him. They never tired of expressing that love to one another, including during their final weekend together, just two days before his passing. Charlie and Ginny relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, expecting only a temporary stay. Instead, they fell in love with the city and its people. In 2019, they found their forever home in The Woods, a community that Charlie embraced wholeheartedly. He became an active and engaged resident who valued friendships, community spirit, and helping others. Charlie especially loved cooking. Whether preparing meals for Ginny's Women of the Woods gatherings, Book Club, Ribault Garden Club events, family celebrations, or quiet dinners at home, he found joy in bringing people together around a table. His generosity, hospitality, and culinary talents became well known among family and friends. When he was not working from his beloved high-tech home office, usually with his faithful dog Zoe nearby, Charlie could often be found reading, researching, learning something new, or discussing ideas with anyone fortunate enough to share a conversation with him. Charlie is survived by his deeply loved and devoted wife, Virginia "Ginny" Flick Lederman; his son Timothy Lederman and wife Amanda; his sister Ruth Kauftheil, whom he loved and adored beyond words; his brother Steven Lederman and wife Karen; his mother-in-law Sally Flick; his brothers-in-law Larry Flick and wife Maryam, and Frank Flick; his sister-in-law Phyllis Flick and husband Sebastian Mefflet; and a large extended family and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his presence. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Jenny Lederman; his beloved son Brian Lederman; his brother-in-law Gary Kauftheil; and his father-in-law Larry Flick. Charlie was also eagerly awaiting the birth of his first grandson, due in October 2026. Learning that he would become a grandfather filled him with profound joy. In April, Amanda arranged a private ultrasound so Charlie could see his grandson before birth. The experience touched him deeply. He spoke often of that special day and could hardly contain his excitement and love for the little boy he would never have the opportunity to hold, but who will forever know how eagerly and completely he was loved by his grandfather. Charlie leaves behind a legacy of intelligence, kindness, generosity, curiosity, resilience, faith, and love. He approached life with enthusiasm, embraced learning with passion, built businesses with determination, and loved his family with all his heart.