Charles Hurlow John

Charlie was born on December 26, 1942 in Warsaw, NC, to his late parents, Frank Bickerton John and Rosa Catherine Pridgen. He spent his teenage summers with Aunt Lucy, his brother, sister and cousins at Pine Camp on Clear Lake, Ontario, Canada where his love for nature surely began. This became a favorite place and generational gift he would go on to share with his family. Charlie graduated from Pennsbury High School in 1960 then joined the US Navy where he served as an electronics technician on the USS Hubbard and earned a 1st Good Conduct Medal for service ending in 1963. He then transitioned to the Naval Reserves until 1966. After a few semesters at Drexel University, Charlie went on to establish a career in sales and marketing, developing an expertise in telecommunications working with Bell Telephone of PA for many years, then as owner of Pilgrim Business Exchange answering service in Philadelphia and Cardinal Communications phone system installation and service. His work ethic never waned nor his passion for people as he worked in his later years at ACME markets and as a limo driver.

Charlie was a craftsman, a musician, an outdoorsman, and a dedicated baseball fan (Go Phils!). He was an artisan luthier who designed and built intricate inlays for his guitar necks and rifle enthusiast who did gunstock checkering and spent hours target shooting at the Falls Township Rifle and Pistol Association. In most social situations, one could find Charlie with an instrument in his hands, be it the bagpipes at a Hibernians festival, rhythm guitar at a bluegrass pickin’ party in North Carolina or an electric bass onstage at Tir Na Nog. Charlie loved to hunt and fish despite often coming home empty handed - that wasn’t the point. He was also a loyal Philadelphia sports fan with a special passion for the Phillies, although he would watch any baseball game he could find for love of the sport itself.

Most notably, Charlie adored his beautiful daughters: Dorian, Devon and Dana. Despite always stuttering over the wrong “d-d-d” name in conversation, their successes and happiness were his most proud accomplishments.

Charlie was preceded in death by daughter Megan Emily John, daughter Allison John and brother Edward Norman John.

Charlie is survived by daughter Dorian Kay John, daughter Devon John Chebra (husband David Michael Chebra), daughter Dana Margaret John, grandson Kaden John Elberson, granddaughter Charli JoAnne Elberson, grandson Matthew John Chebra and sister Catherine (Kay) King (husband Robert King).

Charlie’s memorial will be held on October 18, 2026 at Tir Na Nog in Trenton, NJ. 2pm arrival and live music starts at 3pm.