Charles James Cheetham

A visitation for Charles will be held Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunland Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory, 15826 North Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351.

A funeral service will occur Friday, March 22, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, 13658 W Meeker Blvd, Sun City West, AZ 85375 with a graveside service to immediately follow at Sunland Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charles' memory may be made to Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church and Shriner's Children's Philadelphia.

Charles James Cheetham is survived by his wife Carolvhay and his children Glenn Cheetham and his wife Dawn, Caron-Lee Sweeney and her husband Michael, and Craig Cheetham and his wife Barbara; his grandchildren Eric Cheetham and his wife Caitlin, Catelyn Sweeney and Dean Michael and their 2 sons Robert and Samuel Michael, and Betsy Sweeney.

He was born to Charles H. and Elizabeth Cheetham of Lincoln Park New Jersey on April 27, 1936. He was raised on the banks of the Passaic River with his two sisters Jean and Barbara where he developed his love of boating, swimming, camping and fishing. He shared this love of the outdoors and taught his children and grandchildren these skills. One of his favorite locations for sailing was Lake George in NY.

Charlie started his lifelong love of music with piano lessons but later taught himself violin by performing his sister Jean’s practice exercises. Charlie played the baritone horn, various other brass instruments and the string bass. He was a member of the Boonton High School marching band and orchestra. He was chosen to participate in Boys State and the New Jersey All-State Orchestra. As a student at Lehigh University, he also participated in the marching band and orchestra. Over his life time, he learned to play 13 musical instruments.

Charlie met Carolvhay Ricker in the Mt. View UMC during spring break in 1957. On their second date, Charlie serenaded Carolvhay playing Moonlight Sonata on the piano. They fell in love and were married on October 5, 1958. Charlie was married to his beloved wife Carolvhay for 65 years and together they raised a close-knit family based on Christian and Masonic values. They were blessed with three children Glenn Cheetham, Caron-Lee Sweeney, and Craig Cheetham, their spouses, three grandchildren, and two great grandsons. Together they made many close friends through church groups, community clubs, Masons and Eastern Star.

Charlie was active as a Boy Scout and earned the rank of Star Scout. Scouting was a passion for him later demonstrated through his active leadership in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts where he organized a community carnival, camping, and many other activities in Packanack Lake, NJ. Charlie was proud to guide his sons Glenn and Craig to the rank of Eagle Scout and his daughter Caron-Lee to the Girl Scout’s Gold Award.

Another of Charlie’s passions was Free and Accepted Masonry. He was a Master Mason for 65 years and was proud to be able to trace his ancestry to 3 generations of Masons. He has been referred to by his brothers as a “Mason’s-Mason”. Charlie was an active member of Sun City Lodge #72 in Sun City, AZ. Prior to that, he was a Past Master of Mt View Lodge #154 in Wayne NJ. Charlie was also active in the many organizations of York Rite Masonry, was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and was a member of the Shriners. Charlie also was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star for 63 years. He served as Worthy Patron 7 times in Mt. View Chapter #205 in Wayne NJ, and enjoyed his current membership in Peoria Chapter #59 in Peoria AZ during his retirement.

Charlie graduated from Lehigh University with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. During his career, he worked in the aerospace, medical and transportation industries, and garnered several patents as a Chief Engineer. Professionally he made significant contributions to society including perfecting jet propulsion controls that enabled the first successful lunar landing on the moon, improving the design of the brake systems for the New York City Subway and Washington DC Metro trains, built precision machines that manufactured guide wires used in cardiac catheterization procedures, and transdermal test equipment used for developing new delivery systems for drugs to be absorbed through the human skin.

Charlie was always kind, caring, cheerful and fun to be with and a friend to all. He will be dearly missed by his friends.