Charles William Briden
Charles “Charlie” William Briden, 73, of Seminole, passed away on Friday May 4th, 2012.
He was born at St. Clare’s Hospital in Manhattan, New York and graduated from Valley Stream High School in 1957. Charlie enlisted into the Navy and served from 1957 to 1961 as an electronic technician and served on the Destroyer USS Leary. He later transferred to the Navy Reserves and served two years then took a position with Grumman to serve as a civilian on the USS Kitty Hawk. He settled in Dickinson, TX and spent 9 years working on space programs at NASA including the Apollo Program. Charlie traveled extensively during his work career including spending time working overseas in Saudi Arabia and Iran. He also traveled in the United States frequently with extended deployments in California, New York, Texas and Florida. Charlie spent most of his career as an instructor, developing the training curriculum and then teaching the material to his customers.
Charlie was an avid boater. His passion was to restore dilapidated boats to pristine condition. He was a Coxswain in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-3 for the past 10 years. He obtained the rank of Auxop and frequently taught boat safety, navigation, and seamanship classes. He also enjoyed motorcycling, kayaking, and playing guitar in local Bluegrass jam sessions.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Catherine; his beloved children, Christopher Briden (Karen) and Cheryl Walkup (Eric); his sisters, Carol Polk and Louise Weber; his cousins Russell and Geraldine Coney; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Anne and Charlie Briden.
You were taken from us too soon and will always be missed.
A service will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard, St. Petersburg, FL 33744.
Please sign the guestbook below.
Guestbook Entries
Date: May 24, 2012
Name: Brenda Burger
Entry: Kay and Family. So sorry I was out of town and just now getting this message. I am so sorry for your lost. What a great guy, Charlie helped and taught me so much in the Auxiliary. He will be truly missed.
Date: May 24, 2012
Name: Catherine C Briden
Entry: To my best friend and husband, I will miss all of the things we did together and your adventurous spirit. We made a good team, and we had a wonderful family and life. Love you forever. Kay Rest in Peace
Date: May 22, 2012
Name: Carol Johnson Harding
Entry: Kay, So sorry for your loss. When I read Dotty,s notice yesterday..all I could tell John was that's Charlie "tuna".. and the years fly by. may God bless you and your family. Carol
Date: May 22, 2012
Name: Marilyn Schwind Latta
Entry: Kay, So sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure you and your family will be strong in love and things will go along well for you. Time will bring fond memories of things gone by. My prayers will be with you and yours. "Schwindy"
Date: May 21, 2012
Name: Helen Fisher Aponte
Entry: Kay- so sad to hear of your loss. I hope things are ok with you otherwise.
Helen
Date: May 21, 2012
Name: Dottie Wasmucky Franco
Entry: My dear Kay & family. I am so sorry for your loss. I was going to call you to see if you could come to Seneca County for Dick Christensens Memorial service @ Sampson State Park Cemetery on June 15th, I am so sorry I can't be there for your memorial service. I will call soon. May you all find comfort in your Happy Memories. Love to you, Dottie
Date: May 19, 2012
Name: Louise Weber
Entry: Charlie always set a life path for me to follow. From teaching me as a young child to grow healthy in body and mind, to the high standard his adult life set for me. I will miss his guidance and love, but I will feel it always. His loving sister Louise.
Date: May 19, 2012
Name: Cliff Weber
Entry: Time with Charlie has always been an exciting adventure and I am left with many fond memories of being with him. I will miss my good buddy, a man that I admired and loved. His good friend and brother-in-law Cliff
Date: May 18, 2012
Name: Joe Blevins
Entry: To the entire family: I only know Charlie casually from the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He seemed always to love the water and boating. He served his country well. Our deepest regrets go out to you in your loss.
Date: May 16, 2012
Name: Janet Sourbeer
Entry: Cay , Thinking of and praying for you during this difficult time. Janet
Date: May 16, 2012
Name: Marylu Arbogast
Entry: Kay and family: I have always had admiration and respect for Charlie. His fellowship with my father, Pete, was certainly a true bond. They would spend many conversations about boating, finances and all the yard sale stuff that Charlie would find and what Dad was going to do with all his junk yard stuff! How he will truly be missed!
Date: May 16, 2012
Name: Marylu Arbogast
Entry: Kay and family: I have always had admiration and respect for Charlie. His fellowship with my father, Pete, was certainly a true bond. They would spend many conversations about boating, finances and all the yard sale stuff that Charlie would find and what Dad was going to do with all his junk yard stuff! How he will truly be missed!
Date: May 16, 2012
Name: Latifa Jackson
Entry: Cheryl - My sincerest thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Date: May 15, 2012
Name: Lorraine Field
Entry: Kay - I was so sorry to hear about your loss, I hope all the good memories help you and your family get through this sad time. Lorraine x
Date: May 15, 2012
Name: Cheryl Stronczek
Entry: Cheryl, Mrs Briden & Chris I am sorry for your loss, but know that he watches over you all everyday and is smiling down on you from above. Your memories will guide you thru this time of sorrow. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Date: May 15, 2012
Name: Roy & Tracie
Entry: We know Mister Biden only from the stories that Cheryl told us. He must have been a wonderful man and we can only imagine the feeling of loss that Cheryl and her family must feel at this time. Just remember how blessed you are to have such dear and loving memories to keep with you until you are united with him once again.
Please know that our prayers are with you and if there is anything we can do to help you in this time of need - please do not hesitate to ask.
Roy and Tracie
Date: May 15, 2012
Name: Karen Guerard
Entry: Cheryl,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!
Date: May 14, 2012
Name: Norma Redd
Entry: Dear Cheryl & family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad. I hope that you take comfort in knowing that he is just a whisper away, and will be watching over all of you until you are all together again. Lots of love and strength~
Norma
Date: May 14, 2012
Name: Margie and Bob Miller
Entry: Kay and family, i will miss seeing Charlie out in the yard, i am glad we got to know him, even for a little while. if you need anything please let me know how we can help . He will be missed. Margie and Bob
Date: May 13, 2012
Name: Edna Ciminera
Entry: Dear Kay, I'm so sorry to hear about Charlie. I remember how much you shared about him and all that you did together when we were at school. I pray that you and your family will find peace and comfort knowing that he is your families guardian angel.
Peace and Blessings, Edna
Date: May 12, 2012
Name: Sandy Blackwell
Entry: Kay and family, Charlie was a great neighbor and will be missed by all in our little neighborhood. I miss going outside and seeing him tinkering in the yard or in the garage. He always came to my yard sales and usually walked away with at least one thing. I missed that this last weekend. I wish I could take some of your pain, Kay. I know how much the two of you meant to each other and that says alot about Charlie and you. If there is anything that I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Date: May 12, 2012
Name: Helen Geurin
Entry: My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs Briden,Cheryl and Chris. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Briden a few times and he was always ready to share his knowledge and experiences. He will be greatly missed but will always remain in everyone's hearts and memories.
Date: May 12, 2012
Name: Joe & Karen Donovan
Entry: Kay - we were sad to hear about Charlie. We really enjoyed playing with him at our jam sessions. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time
Date: May 12, 2012
Name: Gypsy Jim Carey
Entry: Kay and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Charlie. I knew he and Kay from the bluegrass jams. I see from the previous posts, that I missed so much more. I am in awe of his expertise in so many different areas of work and play. He loved, he certainly was loved by so many, and he seemed to have fun - can't ask for much more.
Date: May 12, 2012
Name: Valerie
Entry: I am so sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. I truly enjoyed picking with him at the Bluegrass jam.
Date: May 12, 2012
Name: Fred Smith
Entry: So Sorry to hear the news about Charlie . Vary kind person . He will be missed in the Bluegrass group . Best wishes to the Family . Fred from The Bluegrass Shop .
Date: May 12, 2012
Name: Tracy Curley
Entry: I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Briden's passing. I will always remember him tinkering in the garage on either a motor cycle or boat. I hope you can find comfort in good memories.
Love, Tracy
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: John Cmiel and Judie Zacharias
Entry: Charlie was one of my first Bluegrass friends as a snowbird from Illinois and fellow USCG Auxiliary member. I'll miss our times together. Sincere condolences to Kay and the entire family.
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Mark Sherman
Entry: Charlie was a kind and generous friend to all that knew him. We will miss him at the Bluegrass jam sessions and I will miss him as a friend.
Mark Sherman
BanjoMark
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Linda and Dennis McNeill
Entry: To all the Briden family,Charlie will be missed by all,he was bigger than life,helpful to all,he had a lot to be proud of in his life.
It all happened so fast but he is no longer suffering,Kay you brought home to Charlie in the hospice unit.Thank you for allowing us at Bay Pines to care for one of our honored veterans.
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Herb Karkheck
Entry: Class of '57. Charlie, we are sorry to see you go. You and I had only one get together since we discovered we were almost neighbors here in Seminole. My heart and prayers are with those left to mourn. God Bless you and take care of you Charlie, and may God Bless and take care of your loving family.
Herb Karkheck, Class of '57.
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Ned Jackson
Entry: Chris...few people made an impression on me like Charlie did. He was a world of great stories and allowed us to create a score of "Charlie" stories of our own. He is missed and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Tami Graves
Entry: Chris, so sorry to hear about your Dad. Digger and I really enjoyed his conversation at some of the Thanksgiving dinners we attended. He had so much spirit. Our hearts go out to you and the rest of the family.
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Joe Buckley
Entry: Kay, as you know, Charlie was bigger than big to me. He was always in the "hot pursuit of life", be it the water, people, travel, investments, guitars and a whole lot more. He gave freely and openly, much more so than most. Extremely intelligent, hard core and very aware and sensitive, particularly for a good welder! We shared a lot together that was way beyond other people's grasp. Thank you, Kay, for being his best supporter and letting him do all those things and share them with people - like me. Just great, he was, and you are too.
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Suzie and Rene de Miranda
Entry: To Kay and family,
There aren't enough words to express how much Charlie will be missed! He had a world of knowledge to share and we loved listening to him! He will be greatly missed at the flotilla for sure! I will miss his being at yard sales too. He always knew the "right price" and was there to help. Miss you my friend. Heaven has another angel to guide us home!
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Barbara Hajko,RN
Entry: Kay - So sorry to hear about your loss. Will keep you & yours in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Julie A White
Entry: Kay, so sorry to hear of your loss, Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and your family at this sad time, You are in my prayers,
Julie
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Geneva Hall
Entry: Kay,
I was so sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. Even though I never met him personally, I feel that I know him from all of your stories. May God bless you and your family at this time.
Geneva and Delaney Hall
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Russell Coney
Entry: My cousin and I were more like brothers. I will miss him greatly.
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Paula Vieillet
Entry: So Sorry to hear of his passing. Always a pleasure to see him at the bluegrass jams.
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Shirley Tomesko
Entry: I only had the pleasure of knowing you for a short time , but I felt of you as a close friend and , thank you for all the help and guidance ,I will miss you dearly
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: jumana Divan
Entry: I know Mr.Briden as Cheryl Walkup's beloved Dad.
Our hearts are saddened by her loss and our thoughts and prayers are with Cheryl and family.
May you all find peace and love in the memories you cherish.
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Larry Gellinger
Entry: Enjoyed working and boating with Charlie. Going out on patrols on Charlie's fine vessel was a memorable experience. We will miss his talent and expertise at Flotilla 11-3.
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Bob Buser
Entry: Sorry to hear about Charlie. It was an honor working with him in the 80's and later his son Chris.
Date: May 11, 2012
Name: Onalee Brewer
Entry: Ed and I are so sorry for the loss of Charlie. I remember him most for his great sense of humor and the funny stories he told.
Date: May 10, 2012
Name: Pete Lore
Entry: I will remember Charlie as a very talented man and he used those talents to help others.
Date: May 10, 2012
Name: Pete Lore
Entry: Charlie, I will remember you as a guy who was always helping someone.
Date: May 10, 2012
Name: Cheryl Walkup
Entry: You were a wonderful teacher and a great father. We will miss you very much and each time we look out at the water, we will remember your love of the sea. Love Cheryl
Date: May 10, 2012
Name: Judi Kerrigan-Krodel
Entry: Kay and Family,
Thinking of you. We loved visiting with Charlie and you when we were in FLorida. Fond memories.
Judi, Karl, Liam & Eamon
Date: May 10, 2012
Name: Christopher Briden
Entry: Your family will miss you every day for the rest of our lives. Thanks for always being there for us. We will make you proud.
Love Chris
Date: May 10, 2012
Name: Christopher Briden
Entry: Your family will miss you every day for the rest of our lives. Thanks for always being there for us. We will make you proud.
Love Chris
Date: May 10, 2012
Name: Linda Krodel
Entry: Always my friend.
Date: May 10, 2012
Name: Bill Scherer
Entry: Kay
Nancy and I are sorry to hear about the passing of Charlie.
We will both surely miss him.
