Ogontz Fire Company recently honored former chief Charles ‘Charlie” Farrington, Jr, 72, who passed away on December 17.
From the Facebook post on his behalf:
It’s with deep grief and sadness that the members of the Ogontz Fire Company observe the passing of our former chief, Charlie Farrington. Charlie joined Ogontz as a firefighter in 1966 at the age of 16. He served Ogontz for 54 plus years, achieving the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief and Chief, a position to which he was re-elected for a record 26 years. Charlie was our leader and mentor, and above all a true friend to each of us. Many current and previous Ogontz members still refer to Charlie as “my Chief”.
Charlie personally recruited me and many more into service.
Our hearts are with his wife Carole, his daughter Ericha, his siblings Jeanne, Susan, and Steve and his nieces and nephews at this difficult time.
From the Kirk & Nice, Inc. funeral home’s obituary:
Charles ‘Charlie” Farrington, Jr, 72, passed away on December 17, 2022 after a valiant battle with cancer, with his family by his side. Charlie was the beloved husband and best friend to Carole A. (nee Gubbei) and loving father of Ericha. Charlie followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Ogontz Fire Company at the age of 16. He volunteered for 54 years and achieved the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief and Chief. One of his proudest moments was when his younger brother, Steve, became his Deputy Chief. In 2007, after 26 years as Chief, he retired but continued to serve the fire company as an active life member until 2020 when he was diagnosed with cancer. After graduating from Bishop McDevitt High School he earned a degree from Philadelphia College of Textile and Sciences and began his professional career as a first party property insurance adjuster in 1972. He worked for GAB Business Services, INC until 1983 when he went out on his own and started Farrington Adjustment Services. Over his 38 year self- employment, he handled over 15,600 claims in PA and NJ. Charlie loved the beach and ocean and spending time with his family. He traveled to the Caribbean and various beaches in the United States. He enjoyed fishing and golf. Playing the slots at casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City made him smile. He loved chasing the jackpot! He enjoyed traveling and some of his favorite places were Myrtle Beach, SC and Brigantine, NJ. He was fortunate enough to own properties in both cities for a time. Charlie was always there for anyone in need. He was an interested listener and mentor to many. Charlie is predeceased by his father, Charles, Sr., his mother Mary (nee Harkins) and his sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Bill Holmes. He is survived by his sister Mary Susan Levy (Mort), brother Stephen (Patty), sister Jeanne and a niece and nephews, grand-nieces and nephew.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org