Charles Reisinger

Charles Gilbert “Charlie” Reisinger

“Uncle Charlie”

Charlie Reisinger, a long-time resident of Key Largo, passed away on June 1, 2016 from congestive heart failure.  He was 98 years young, born on September 28, 1917 to Jacob Casper and Christine Hoy Reisinger in Juniata, PA.   Raised in Altoona, PA, he was an active Boy Scout, hunter, fisherman, saxophone player and for three years a state swimming champion.  In 1936 he was inducted into the US Army, initially serving in the horse drawn 1st field artillery prior to WWII.  In 1941 Charlie married Naomi Jean Cheek in Rising Sun, MD and was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground serving with the 7th field artillery Veterinary branch.  In 1945 Charlie and Naomi welcomed their first son, Charles Richard and again in 1948 welcomed son, Edward Lee.  He served two tours during the Korean War as the NCO in charge of the Inspection Division of all meats and eggs entering Korea from the port of Pusan.  Upon retiring from the Army in 1955, M/Sgt, Charlie moved his family to Miami, Fl. where he worked as an inspector/instructor of the newly created Florida Department of Agriculture Food Inspection Division.   He retired for the second time in 1983 after 25 years.

Charlie was a lifelong Mason and enjoyed visiting many Masonic lodges and temples as he traveled.  He is the 1993 Past Master of Palma Vista lodge #205 in Princeton, Fl., Past Grand Sword Bearer, Past Grand Historian, Past District Deputy Grand Master, Grand Lodge representative to Brazil, and member of the many appendant bodies of Free Masonry.

A member of Burton Memorial Methodist Church in Tavernier for 40 plus years, he leaves behind hundreds of friends and family, including both of his sons and their families: Rev. Chuck Reisinger, wife Nance Ellen Blattner, daughters Pamela Jean Paton, and Susan Cruz, sons Gil and David Reisinger.  Edward Reisinger, wife Dr. Joan Reisinger Ph.D, sons Edward Scott and Daniel Lee Reisinger.  Great grandchildren Rachel and Nicole Ruiz, Kyle Cruz, Lauren Paton, Jake and Wyatt Reisinger, Aedan and Levi Napier-Reisinger. Brother Jim Reisinger.

Charlie was the consummate storyteller to all who cared to listen. He was the original “man of all seasons” and lived life to the very last breath.

Viewing will be held at the Murray Nelson Govt. Center Key Largo, Saturday, June 11 from 5 to 8 pm.  Masonic Funeral at 7:00 pm

Funeral will be held at Burton Memorial Methodist Church in Tavernier, Sunday, June 12 at 2:00 pm with reception to follow in fellowship hall.

Charlie requested instead of flowers please send a donation to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Tampa, 12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, Fl. 33612   “Uncle Charlie” memorial fund.