Charlie loved trains and streetcars. He would plan his many international vacations around the rails he could ride there.

Charlie's first stop was Lebanon where his dad worked for Bethlehem Steel. Shortly after Charlie's birth his dad volunteered in the service and his family made stops in Dayton Ohio and Baltimore, Md. After attending Baltimore Polytech, Charlie received his BA from Johns Hopkins and MBA from Univ. of Pennsylvania. Next stop, AT&T where he spent 19 years as an IT executive. He later worked for Global Crossings on undersea cable projects.

Charlie lived in New Jersey for many years before moving to Lancaster before finally pulling into Lebanon thirteen years ago. He also enjoyed many summers at his beach house on Long Beach Island with friends and family. Charlie was a dedicated lover of classical music and active participant in supporting Gretna Music in nearby Mt. Gretna.

Charles imbued his children and grandchildren with the importance of knowledge and education. He shared his love of history, animals, literature, humor and travel. His joy of cooking was demonstrated in lavish family dinners. Among the favorite family meals was "a mess a crabs" that all enjoyed at seashore gatherings.

Throughout his journey, Charlie built strong and lasting friendships not only here but abroad. He had close friends in Australia, Italy, France and the Ukraine. He appreciated all the love and support these friends provided. Charlie was a gracious and generous host. Friends, family and even occasional strangers were treated to fine wine, spirits, gourmet food and intelligent, witty conversation. Charlie was an 'angel' to many in need and shared much through his generosity and insight.

Fourteen days shy of his 79th birthday, Charlie's last train left the station in the early morning hours of February 3rd. We are certain Charlie will be greeted at the final stop by his loving son, Chuck, and his favorite dogs, Foxy & Mollie Fox.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Marcia Ostfeld, his daughter, Kimberley Hawes, and her partner Tony Marinelli; his 'sister', Ginny Wiedenman Simonetti, her spouse Peter Simonetti; his grandchildren, Arden Hawes and Clark Hawes, and stepchildren, Kurt Ostfeld and his wife Alethia Ware, Dana Ostfeld Santagata, and her husband Paul Santagata, and Mara Ostfeld; Sara Simonetti Davis and Rebecca Simonetti, and seven step grandchildren.. They all mourn his loss. Along with his many wonderful friends, also missing him will be his 'adopted son',Max, and his loving and amazing caregiver, Obi.

In lieu of flowers Charlie would welcome a donation to one of his favorite charities: The Baltimore Streetcar Museum /Car 7303 Fund, P.O. Box 4881, Baltimore, Md. 12211 www.BaltimoreStreetcar Museum.org - Gretna Music, 200 Pennsylvania Ave., Mt Gretna, PA 17064 www.gretna music.org - One Dog at a Time, 225 Meadow Woods Drive, Lewistown, PA 17044 adoptodaat@gmail.com

" The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away". Paoblo Picasso

A service will be held on February 12 ^th at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Cornwall, 2596 Cornwall Road, Cornwall, PA 17016.  A private luncheon will be held following the service.  This summer a private burial service will be held on Long Beach Island, NJ. Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com