Charles A. “Charlie” Prinz Jr., 78, of Ephrata, PA, passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2016 after a brief illness. He was the loving husband of Donna E. (Ressler) Prinz. They recently celebrated 39 years of marriage.
He was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Charles A. and Margaret Prinz.
Charlie was a photographer in the United States Navy and a Coast Guard Reservist. After his military service, he was a professional photographer for 30 years and later in life earned an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts from the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA, specializing in pastries. A member of Bethany United Church of Christ, Charlie enjoyed laughter, spending time with his family, the outdoors, the arts, weaving, reading, cooking and a good cigar.
In addition to his wife Donna, he is survived by daughter Linda, wife of Edward Schreiner of Lancaster, PA, son Charles “Chip” Prinz, husband of Sheri Buffenmyer of Ephrata, PA, and daughter Tracy Prinz, wife of Christopher Brown of Los Angeles, CA, and four grandchildren, Nathan, Edward, Nettie and Amelia.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Service at Bethany United Church of Christ at 140 East Main Street, Ephrata, PA on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 2:30 PM. Friends may greet the family from 1:30 PM until the time of the service. A private interment will be held at the family’s convenience.
Per Charlie’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter in support of his wife Donna or to Bethany United Church of Christ.
I am sending my thoughts and prayers to Donna, Tracy, Chip, Linda and your entire family. I know this is a very tough time. I know Charlie is at peace and in a wonderful place. I hope he has connected with my dad. God bless you all.
I didnt know mr. prinz personally however I had the pleasure of working with his wife Donna a very very lovely woman and my deepest condolences to the Family Mary Jo
Donna,our prayers are with you and Charlie. I fondly recall Charlie as a sailor on assignment at Los Alamos back in the early 1960’s. Next what a pleasant surprise to have him in the family through your marriage. Due to present circumstances here, I will miss the ceremony to celebrate his life, but my thoughts and love will be with you. Your uncle Ronnie
Donna, – so sorry to read of Charlie’s death in Lancaster Online. I am unable to attend the service but wanted you to know that I am thinking of you.
Jeanette Bontrager
Linda and Chip and Families – So sorry for the loss of your Dad. He’s in a better place. Our prayers are with you. Love Aunt Dot and Uncle Eric
I had the pleasure of Charlie’s and Donna’s company a couple of years ago and had the honor of participating in Charlie and Curts’ cigar and beer on the back porch ritual. One of my life’s great memories. Curt pretty much summed it up. I am very sorry to hear of his passing and my love and thoughts go out to all of the family.
I sat outside in the cold and rain yesterday smoking a fat cigar and drinking a beer in memory of an old codger I will miss. Neither were probably up to his standards, but it was the thought that counts and I’m sure he understands that too. Charlie was always intelligent, thoughtful, and somewhat opinionated so our conversations never fell into social niceities. I have to smile now, because it was better to just be quiet sometimes too. I will miss him and send my love and condolences to family and friends.