Obituary of Charles Sansone

Charles Joseph Sansone, age 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, in Naples, Florida on March 17, 2025.      
      Born in South Philadelphia on May 25, 1931, Charles graduated Southern High School and then attended La Salle University where he graduated with a Business Degree.  In 1951, he became an active member of the Air Force.  Charles met the love of his life, Rita Santilli, and married in 1953. Charles and Rita had three children and a wonderful life together. After his military service, Charles pursued a successful career in banking with Girard Bank as Vice President in Correspondent Banking, while residing in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.  In 1978, he moved to Wildwood Crest, New Jersey to become President of Union Trust Company, a successful local bank under his leadership.  During his leisure time while working at the bank, Charles loved boating, fishing, cars and watching his Philadelphia sports teams. He retired from the bank at the age of 57. Charles and Rita enjoyed their summers in Wildwood Crest and winters in Florida until Rita passed in 1997.  Charles met his next love, Joan Gehring, and later moved full time to Naples, Florida where they had a beautiful life together. As Charles’ mobility diminished, he loved his surprised visits from family and stayed in constant contact with every member of his family via phone and regular FaceTime visits.  He enjoyed hearing everyone’s stories, watching his grandkids and great grandkids grow up and relished every conversation.

         Charles is predeceased by his beloved wife, Rita Sansone, his parents, Luciano Sansone and Anna (Varallo), his sister, Theresa Chianese and brother-in-law, Thomas Chianese.  He is survived by his devoted and loving partner, Joan Gehring, who brought him much love and companionship in his later years.  He is also survived by his 3 children, Charles Sansone (Patti), Cindi Binder (Jack) and Mark Sansone (Sherrie), as well as, his six grandchildren, Jack Binder (Alexis), Jason Binder (Evon), Jessica Mallon (AJ), Laura Heck (Robert), Alyssa Keith (Jordan), Mark Sansone (Kaitelynn), his 8 great-grandchildren, his brother, Joseph Sansone (Diane) and his nieces and nephews.

          A celebration of Charles’ life will be held March 27, 2025 at Assumption Church, 7100 Seaview Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ. Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Mass at 11:00 a.m. and his burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 1056 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ.  Your presence and support at this time is deeply appreciated.  Should you wish to honor Charles, in lieu of flowers, hug someone, tell them you love them, pay it forward and give thanks each and every day!!!