Charles August Hohne

Charles August Hohne - known as Charlie to most - was Dad, Grandpa, and Papa to his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband to Ann for more than half a century, a loving father to Kristine, Karl and Kathy, a beloved grandfather to Justin, Jamie, Christopher, Ashley and Robyn, a supportive father-in-law to Robert, Florence and Michael, and a caring brother to Frieda and Harold.

Charlie was an inventor, developer, builder, and tinkerer - on a constant quest to know how things worked and how they were made. His love of aviation and technology spanned many decades and spawned businesses in aircraft materials and software. Always quick with a joke and a warm smile, he was a world traveler, making and meeting friends wherever life took him.

Growing up in Brooklyn, Charlie was the second oldest of ten children born to German immigrants, August and Frieda. He went from Brooklyn Tech straight into the US Army, where he served as an infantry soldier, automotive mechanic and rifleman. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge until severely wounded. Following 13 months in military hospitals, he returned home to marry his sweetheart, Ann, whom he called Lollie. He began working as a machinist with his father at Detecto Scales until the newlyweds made the big move from city life to the country, which in those days was Nassau County Long Island. There he began a career with Republic Aviation.

His love of aircraft began at a very young age, sparked by a flight in the open-air cockpit of a bi-plane, which his father arranged for him and his older brother, Helmuth. After building fighter planes for years, Charlie ventured out on his own, starting Industrial Metals and supplying aircraft raw materials to manufacturers worldwide.

Charlie and Ann enjoyed 51 years of marriage and raised three children in the home they loved on Long Island. There was always something exciting going on, from the backyard pool or skating rink to Christmas lights or the latest invention in the garage or basement - affectionately known as "the lab"'. Yellow pad and felt tip pen in hand, he created wondrous things that worked"'most of the time. The haircutting machine will be a fun memory forever.

The kitchen was alive with enticing aromas as Charlie and Ann cooked for a happy family, potato pancakes and bacon, cinnamon buns and macaroni and cheese being some of Charlie's particular favorites. He continued to cook throughout his life, always trying to come up with the perfect beef stew recipe or cinnamon French toast. And he heartily enjoyed sharing mulled wine and beer with Michael and Ronnie Hills in the Christmas markets of Cologne during his last trip to Europe.
Always re-inventing himself as life changed, Charlie and Ann moved to Orlando, Florida in the late 1980's and began a software business with Kathy and Michael. It was an exciting new challenge and Charlie became a self-taught software man. The staff of Data Code affectionately called him "Chief"' and their love for him continues to this day.

Charlie enjoyed life to the fullest, loving his wife and children, and his grandchildren, more than anything in the world. He loved the sea and sailing on his yellow Hobi Cat, dubbed "the banana boat"' by the kids. He loved all the family dogs. He loved his latest home in Newton, New Hampshire, which he designed and built at the ripe old age of 82. A perpetual fun-loving tease, he was always up for a party with family or friends and loved making new friends wherever he went.

Having courageously battled illness for many months, Charlie said he was ready for his next big adventure, ready for a bright new dimension. He mourned terribly the loss of his beloved bride in 1997 and missed "his girl"' until his dying day. Our prayer is that he is with her now, dancing to the melodies of Glen Miller and Tommy Dorsey - enjoying his next big adventure.

Mr. Hohne died on December 30, 2011 and will be buried on Wednesday with full military honors in Calverton National Cemetery on Long Island, beside his beloved wife.

Relatives and friends may call on Monday evening, January 2, 2012 from 5 to 7: 45 p.m. with a service at 8 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow, NH.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wantagh Abbey, Wantagh, NY.