Charles R. "Charlie" Dearcop

Charles R. Dearcop, Golden Ponds, Fort Pierce, Florida.

“Charlie” was born in Rochester, New York, August 24, 1932 to Lillian and Charles Dearcop. His mother passed away when he was 18 months old, his Auntie Hazel helped raise him. Charlie graduated High School in 1950. Even before graduation he traded his ’48 Mercury for a Red Ford 6 wheel dump truck and helped his dad. The little business flourished and grew.

His dad being single had many gal friends, one special lady, Sue McFee, she had a daughter, Bunny they met in 1948, there was talk of marriage, but that didn’t work out, Charlie thought at onetime Bunny might be his sister…God had other plans, even though they were young, there was an attraction between Charlie & Bunny, they married on April 5, 1952. He always said it was a marriage made in Heaven; this wonderful marriage was blessed by four beautiful children, Charles III, David, Debra, and Robert, all in the course of 7 years. The business flourished contracts with E.J. DuPont and The University of Rochester, 1 truck grew to 7 at one point in time, hauling stone, sand, gravel, and asphalt and snow removal in the winter.

His dad passed away in 1957. Charlie was blessed by many special friends and business associates over the years. In 1961, he joined the Gates-Chili Volunteer Fire Department. The first meeting he attended someone nominated him recording secretary, a position he held for 26 years, until someone finally stepped up to fill the office. He was a 50 year Life Member of the department.

The kids grew, graduated, not without the usual trials and tribulations of raising a family. The boys joined the business, driving the trucks, at one point in time Debbie worked in the office.

The children all married, Debbie made Charlie a PaPa in 1978 with the birth of twins, Jennifer and Jacqueline, Charles “Butch” presented Melissa & Heather, Dave presented Ashley and “The Dude” Bradley, everyone was ecstatic finally a boy! Bob presented Brittany and last but not least Charles Robert. Melissa presented Brayden and made him great PaPa and Brittany presented Jonathan, Connor and Liam.

He often said “Look what a little lovin did, we’ve got so much to be thankful for!” As times changed and business changed he could see the handwriting on the wall, and started to downsize, prompting our boys to start other ventures, which worked out well for all.
May 1st 2001, we had an auction Dave eventually purchased the homestead which we lived in for 48 years. Charlie loaded our possessions in a U Haul, the dog and cat and we headed south to our home in Golden Ponds, which we purchased in 1987. We arrived May 6th 2001.

Charlie started work at the Golden Ponds in the maintenance department for the Barding family on May 7th 2001. He enjoyed Florida, didn’t miss the snow, but missed our family and friends. But Golden Ponds was his family too. He was very active, President of H.O.A., a trustee, in 2007 he became the top “Cop” leading the C.O.P. program & 38 caring, dedicated members of the community. He was honored to serve for the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Dept. Being just a kid at heart he loved Christmas and went all out with the decorations. At our annual G.P. drive thru, Charlie directed traffic at our corner of Golden Pond Drive & Christmas Cove Drive. Our children know where their love of the holidays & decorating came from.

Charlie was Golden Ponds; he nurtured all things great and small… people, animals, plants and trees.

His 75th birthday was a fun time, we had a celebration and I paid tribute to the man of many hats.

He had some health issues at age 80, but his doctors kept encouraging him to work. This year, 2017 in July after a stress test, doctor said “Charlie it’s time to hang up your hat”, so he officially retired July 17th from Golden Ponds. Myself and the children had been planning a 65th Anniversary celebration. I said this is the last time we’ll be up to New York. You’ll have to come visit us. We had a wonderful reunion and celebration with family and friends (some of 50 years or more).

Charlie struggled day to day, but always had that smile that so many referred to in the notes on their cards.

Charlie passed away, September 17, 2017 to join those family members and friends and to be with his Heavenly Father.

Rest in Peace, My Dearest Chaz

Lovingly “Allways”
Your Bunny

Local services: A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Golden Ponds, Fort Pierce.

Out of town services: A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Gates Fire Department Station #1, Chili Avenue, Gates, NY.