Charles A Colabrese, WA2TML
February 27, 1949 - July 21, 2023
Chuck was a Club member for 45 years. He held many positions in the Club, including : 1980 Vice President, Long Range Planning Committee Chairman, Technical Committee Chairman, Repeater Technical Manager, Membership Badge Chairman, but his longest tenure was as a Club Director.
He was the 1992 receipt of the Milt Goldman Award, an award given to a member who exemplifies outstanding commitment and service to the Club.
Charles A. Colabrese, WA2TML
February 27, 1949 - July 21, 2023
On July 21, 2023, of Washington Township. Age 74. Beloved husband of Irma (Pulgino). Devoted father of Michael Colabrese (Katie).
Chuck graduated from Father Judge High School in 1968. Following high school, he was a civilian employee of the U.S. Navy since co-operative education while getting his BS in Electronic Engineering at Drexel University (’72). In his retirement he worked at SAIC and Leidos as an Engineering Contractor full-time. When he wasn’t a full-time contractor, he found part-time work at Home Depot and L.L. Bean. As an Amateur Radio Operator (WA2TML), Chuck was very active with the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club for 40+ years. During that time, he represented Amateur Radio to the Washington Township Community for disaster and civil defense. Another interest and a large part of Chuck's life included sailing on his 25-foot sailboat (Windchimes) with his wife and son.
Family and friends are invited to attend his viewing Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 6:00-8:00 PM at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Road, Washington Township. And Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 9:00-10:00 AM at St. Charles Borromeo RC Church, 176 Stagecoach Road, Washington Township. Mass of Christian Burial 10:15AM. Interment, Manahath Cemetery, Glassboro.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles’ memory may be made to the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 370, Pitman, NJ 08071 or at www.w2mmd.org, or Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Charles Borromeo RC Church at 176 Stagecoach Road, Sicklerville, NJ 08081.
“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”
https://www.egizifuneral.com/obituary/charles-a-colabrese
He was the 1992 receipt of the Milt Goldman Award, an award given to a member who exemplifies outstanding commitment and service to the Club.
Charles A. Colabrese, WA2TML
February 27, 1949 - July 21, 2023
On July 21, 2023, of Washington Township. Age 74. Beloved husband of Irma (Pulgino). Devoted father of Michael Colabrese (Katie).
Chuck graduated from Father Judge High School in 1968. Following high school, he was a civilian employee of the U.S. Navy since co-operative education while getting his BS in Electronic Engineering at Drexel University (’72). In his retirement he worked at SAIC and Leidos as an Engineering Contractor full-time. When he wasn’t a full-time contractor, he found part-time work at Home Depot and L.L. Bean. As an Amateur Radio Operator (WA2TML), Chuck was very active with the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club for 40+ years. During that time, he represented Amateur Radio to the Washington Township Community for disaster and civil defense. Another interest and a large part of Chuck's life included sailing on his 25-foot sailboat (Windchimes) with his wife and son.
Family and friends are invited to attend his viewing Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 6:00-8:00 PM at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Road, Washington Township. And Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 9:00-10:00 AM at St. Charles Borromeo RC Church, 176 Stagecoach Road, Washington Township. Mass of Christian Burial 10:15AM. Interment, Manahath Cemetery, Glassboro.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles’ memory may be made to the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 370, Pitman, NJ 08071 or at www.w2mmd.org, or Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Charles Borromeo RC Church at 176 Stagecoach Road, Sicklerville, NJ 08081.
“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”
https://www.egizifuneral.com/obituary/charles-a-colabrese
Condolences and Comments
Chuck fought a brave battle with cancer for several months, but sadly succumbed to it on Friday night, July 21, 2023. Chuck was a pillar of our Club, serving as a Director for many years and bringing his wisdom, experience, and compassion to every meeting. He was also involved in all aspects of the Club's activities, from Field Day to license exams and training, was a mentor to many, and always ready to lend a hand for Club projects. He was also involved in the building of the Clubhouse and appears in photographs of Club activities over many years. We will honor Chuck's memory at the August 2023 General Membership Meeting and remember his legacy in our future events.
Chuck's viewing is scheduled for 6-8 PM this Wednesday, July 26 at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Road, Turnersville, NJ 08012. I'm planning to be there at 6 in case other GCARC members would like to attend at the same time. It would be nice to wear our GCARC nametags to show our regard for the guy who was so supportive of our Club.
73 de Jon Pearce, WB2MNF
GCARC President
++++++++++
It is with great sadness that I recognize the passion of my friend and fellow instructor *Chuck Colabrese WA2TML*. Chuck was more than just a friend, and much more than just a fellow instructor. He was a *leader.* Chuck was a long-time member of the Board of Directors who always had a firm idea of where the Club was, where it was going, and where it *should *be going. His was a voice of reason when discussions got heated, and he stood fast on his principles. His ideas were always based upon reasoned thought and as a result, his words carried significant weight.
He was one of my original assisting instructors, helping to teach at the Amateur Extra level. His knowledge - of electronics in general and of ham radio in specific - was incredible, and it will be impossible to replace him. The best that I will be able to do is to approximate his knowledge levels, and it may take multiple individuals to do that.
Chuck had a way of explaining things that made certain topics immediately understandable to the students. In addition, he helped to solidify my own knowledge of several different issues, making me a better ham operator and a better instructor as well.
In his last days, he was very worried about the proper succession of the Club name badge manufacturing process, with a great concern for making sure that the quality level that he had established would be maintained. I am honored that he had his family reach out to me to take this over from him, and he tried very hard to get the important points of the badge-making process across to me, even in his exhausted state.
He will be sorely missed and impossible to replace. I wish the best for him in his afterlife, praying for him and his family daily. I hope to see many of his fellow Club members at his viewing and/or funeral services when they are held later this week.
Rest In Peace, Chuck.
73
Chris Prioli, AD2CS
++++++++++
So sad to hear. Chuck is a neighbor that I hadn’t met as I just found out he lives nearby. I was hoping to meet him. RIP Chuck, I wish I’d had the chance to meet you.
Todd Woodward, KD2ESH
++++++++++
Terribly sad news, and a shock to hear. I had no idea Chuck has apparently been ill lately. Chuck was a real champion for the Club and as Jeff noted, his contributions many.
RIP OM,
Darrell Neron, AB2E
++++++++++
VERY SAD NEWS. I only recently heard of Chuck’s health challenge but it was clear he was up against it. I’ve known Chuck since he joined the Club. He was truly one of the really nice guys and will be missed by all. My condolences to Irma and family.
With sadness,
Dennis Sandole, K2SE
++++++++++
Prayers to everyone.
Keith Dreyer, KD2ZRB
++++++++++
We will get a sympathy card off to Irma. Hard to believe I've known Chuck almost 40 years.
Art KA0WS and Donna Strong
++++++++++
OMG!!! So, so sorry to hear....known Chuck for a very long time....
Curt Myers, K2CWM
++++++++++
This is a total shock to me. I never knew he was sick. We exchanged some technical emails not so long ago. Very sad. Rest in peace old friend.
Ken Bozarth, KN2U
++++++++++
RIP Brother. Your "budget" is safe with me.
Bill Szkromiuk, W4WCS
++++++++++
Very, very sad news.
Regards,
Tom Gorman, KE2ES
++++++++++
So very sorry. He and Ray were friends tho they differed on philosophy at times. Chuck visited Ray. So sorry. I'm saddened all over again. Its only 9 months since Ray passed. Sad, Sad, Sad
Phyllis Martin, W2PDB
++++++++++
My condolences to the Colabrese Family.
Joe Gadoury, KE2AKT
++++++++++
Chuck has been a longtime close friend since the beginning of our time in GCARC from the 1970’s. He was a great friend. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. My condolences to Irma, Mike and the entire family. RIP Chuck…
Howard Marder, WA2IBZ
++++++++++
Our condolences to all family and friends.
Lou N2JXG and Robin N2NXM Bonaventura
Savannah, TN / Sewell, NJ
++++++++++
RIP Chuck! Your decades of service to GCARC was greatly appreciated! Rest easy.
Vinnie Sallustio, N4NYY
++++++++++
Hello from Wellsboro, PA. I'm a former member before I retired to Wellsboro in 2011. I heard that Chuck Colabrese has passed away recently and wanted to express my sympathy over his loss. We shared good times and have nice memories. KA0WS (Art Strong) and I keep in contact. We did several Field Days with GCARC. Again my sympathies for Chuck...
73 Larry
Larry Mommicco, AD2L
++++++++++
I had no idea Chuck was sick. I have operated with him more than any other person in SSB contesting. WA2TML and W2YC taught me everything I know about contesting. He was a good person. I will miss him.
Kenny Denson, WB2P
++++++++++
Oh no, he shall be missed. He was a very nice person. Had wit, humor, and intellect..
Gary Mirkin, WA3SVW
++++++++++
What sad news. Chuck was always so very patient, helping me with Technical problems, both when I was first licensed in the 1990’s to his recent help with the Extra class training with Chris. Just chatting with Chuck at Club events was always a pleasure, he was always an encourager. Chuck will most definitely be missed!
Irma and Family will be in our thoughts and prayers!
Charlie Olinda, N2SRQ
++++++++++
So sad that Chuck, a friend, mentor, and all around good guy has passed too soon. Chuck played a big role in keeping the GCARC on course over many decades. A lot of his efforts were behind the scenes.
Chuck and his family and friends are in our prayers.
Al Arrison, KB2AYU
Chuck's viewing is scheduled for 6-8 PM this Wednesday, July 26 at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Road, Turnersville, NJ 08012. I'm planning to be there at 6 in case other GCARC members would like to attend at the same time. It would be nice to wear our GCARC nametags to show our regard for the guy who was so supportive of our Club.
73 de Jon Pearce, WB2MNF
GCARC President
++++++++++
It is with great sadness that I recognize the passion of my friend and fellow instructor *Chuck Colabrese WA2TML*. Chuck was more than just a friend, and much more than just a fellow instructor. He was a *leader.* Chuck was a long-time member of the Board of Directors who always had a firm idea of where the Club was, where it was going, and where it *should *be going. His was a voice of reason when discussions got heated, and he stood fast on his principles. His ideas were always based upon reasoned thought and as a result, his words carried significant weight.
He was one of my original assisting instructors, helping to teach at the Amateur Extra level. His knowledge - of electronics in general and of ham radio in specific - was incredible, and it will be impossible to replace him. The best that I will be able to do is to approximate his knowledge levels, and it may take multiple individuals to do that.
Chuck had a way of explaining things that made certain topics immediately understandable to the students. In addition, he helped to solidify my own knowledge of several different issues, making me a better ham operator and a better instructor as well.
In his last days, he was very worried about the proper succession of the Club name badge manufacturing process, with a great concern for making sure that the quality level that he had established would be maintained. I am honored that he had his family reach out to me to take this over from him, and he tried very hard to get the important points of the badge-making process across to me, even in his exhausted state.
He will be sorely missed and impossible to replace. I wish the best for him in his afterlife, praying for him and his family daily. I hope to see many of his fellow Club members at his viewing and/or funeral services when they are held later this week.
Rest In Peace, Chuck.
73
Chris Prioli, AD2CS
++++++++++
So sad to hear. Chuck is a neighbor that I hadn’t met as I just found out he lives nearby. I was hoping to meet him. RIP Chuck, I wish I’d had the chance to meet you.
Todd Woodward, KD2ESH
++++++++++
Terribly sad news, and a shock to hear. I had no idea Chuck has apparently been ill lately. Chuck was a real champion for the Club and as Jeff noted, his contributions many.
RIP OM,
Darrell Neron, AB2E
++++++++++
VERY SAD NEWS. I only recently heard of Chuck’s health challenge but it was clear he was up against it. I’ve known Chuck since he joined the Club. He was truly one of the really nice guys and will be missed by all. My condolences to Irma and family.
With sadness,
Dennis Sandole, K2SE
++++++++++
Prayers to everyone.
Keith Dreyer, KD2ZRB
++++++++++
We will get a sympathy card off to Irma. Hard to believe I've known Chuck almost 40 years.
Art KA0WS and Donna Strong
++++++++++
OMG!!! So, so sorry to hear....known Chuck for a very long time....
Curt Myers, K2CWM
++++++++++
This is a total shock to me. I never knew he was sick. We exchanged some technical emails not so long ago. Very sad. Rest in peace old friend.
Ken Bozarth, KN2U
++++++++++
RIP Brother. Your "budget" is safe with me.
Bill Szkromiuk, W4WCS
++++++++++
Very, very sad news.
Regards,
Tom Gorman, KE2ES
++++++++++
So very sorry. He and Ray were friends tho they differed on philosophy at times. Chuck visited Ray. So sorry. I'm saddened all over again. Its only 9 months since Ray passed. Sad, Sad, Sad
Phyllis Martin, W2PDB
++++++++++
My condolences to the Colabrese Family.
Joe Gadoury, KE2AKT
++++++++++
Chuck has been a longtime close friend since the beginning of our time in GCARC from the 1970’s. He was a great friend. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. My condolences to Irma, Mike and the entire family. RIP Chuck…
Howard Marder, WA2IBZ
++++++++++
Our condolences to all family and friends.
Lou N2JXG and Robin N2NXM Bonaventura
Savannah, TN / Sewell, NJ
++++++++++
RIP Chuck! Your decades of service to GCARC was greatly appreciated! Rest easy.
Vinnie Sallustio, N4NYY
++++++++++
Hello from Wellsboro, PA. I'm a former member before I retired to Wellsboro in 2011. I heard that Chuck Colabrese has passed away recently and wanted to express my sympathy over his loss. We shared good times and have nice memories. KA0WS (Art Strong) and I keep in contact. We did several Field Days with GCARC. Again my sympathies for Chuck...
73 Larry
Larry Mommicco, AD2L
++++++++++
I had no idea Chuck was sick. I have operated with him more than any other person in SSB contesting. WA2TML and W2YC taught me everything I know about contesting. He was a good person. I will miss him.
Kenny Denson, WB2P
++++++++++
Oh no, he shall be missed. He was a very nice person. Had wit, humor, and intellect..
Gary Mirkin, WA3SVW
++++++++++
What sad news. Chuck was always so very patient, helping me with Technical problems, both when I was first licensed in the 1990’s to his recent help with the Extra class training with Chris. Just chatting with Chuck at Club events was always a pleasure, he was always an encourager. Chuck will most definitely be missed!
Irma and Family will be in our thoughts and prayers!
Charlie Olinda, N2SRQ
++++++++++
So sad that Chuck, a friend, mentor, and all around good guy has passed too soon. Chuck played a big role in keeping the GCARC on course over many decades. A lot of his efforts were behind the scenes.
Chuck and his family and friends are in our prayers.
Al Arrison, KB2AYU