Charles Kromer Obituary

Charles Albert Kromer

Jun 28, 1943 - Jan 18, 2026

Collingswood

Charles Albert Kromer, 82, passed into eternal life Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Little Flower Manor in Darby, Pennsylvania.

Born June 28, 1943, in Sandusky, Chuck was the eldest child of Carl V. and Genevieve L. (Herman) Kromer, both of whom are deceased.

He is survived by sisters, Eileen Kromer (Lynnie) of Batavia, Marilyn (Mary) Fruehwald, wife of Richard, deceased, of Cincinnati, Emelie (Tootie) Kromer of Olympia, Washington; Rosalyn (Rose) Gaier, wife of Robert of Solon, and nephew, Kevin Gaier of Columbus.

Chuck also leaves behind many friends and neighbors in Collingswood, New Jersey, business and professional associates, and longtime friends James Sparkman and William Otter, who were able to visit him in his last days.

After graduating from St. Mary High School in Sandusky, Chuck attended John Carroll University, where he earned a bachelor's degree. As a youngster, he had always been interested in transportation and pursued that as a career, working in Cleveland, Erie, Pennsylvania, Saudi Arabia, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Chuck worked for and retired from the Southeast Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) as a transportation planner and earned a master's degree in that field from University of Pennsylvania.

Chuck walked the walk and talked the talk, literally. When he left Cincinnati for Philadelphia, he parked his car in a storage lot and never drove again, relying entirely on public transportation. As the "town crier" and "the weatherman" of New Jersey Avenue, Chuck encouraged his neighbors in Collingswood to walk more; they followed his lead.

Some things that Chuck enjoyed during his life included the color blue, classical and theater organ music, acting and singing in musical plays, airships/dirigibles of all kinds, and beautifully written greeting cards which he sent to family and friends. Chuck spoke particularly fondly of being the conductor/stationmaster/station manager of the first Cedar Point railroad in his youth. He traveled frequently, both nationally and internationally, exploring transportation systems, and was an avid rail fan and collector of model trains, sometimes setting his collection of trains up for people to enjoy at community events.

Chuck was described as generous and loyal to both friends and family. Additionally, he was consistently kind and grateful to his support network of friends, family members, and professionals who accompanied him on his journey, tending to his medical, social, spiritual, and other needs along the way during these past many months. Chuck will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be from 9-9:50 a.m. Thursday morning, March 10, 2026, at David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 510 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, with the Rev. Monte Hoyles officiating. Burial will take place immediately afterward at Calvary Cemetery, Sandusky.

Family suggests that any contributions made in memory of Chuck be sent to any one of The Catholic Parishes of Sandusky, Holy Angels, 428 Tiffin Ave., Sandusky, OH, 44870; St. Mary's, 429 Central Ave, Sandusky; or Sts. Peter and Paul, Pastoral Office, 510 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, or to one's favorite charity.

Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Chuck's family at davidfkoch.com.

Services entrusted to David F. Koch Funeral & Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Ave, Sandusky.

Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Chuck's family at davidfkoch.com.