If you’re going to tell a story, have a big story or none at all. We don’t choose where to start or stop. Our stories are the tellers of us. Nothing showed who Charlie Kochensky was more than his stories, and we’ve all heard the “famous” ones, you know... Charlie filled his boots with a giant, welcoming heart, good old boy country logic, wit, and square head polish stubbornness. Ya see, your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight, and bull-strong. Life is simpler when you plow around the stump. Just keep skunks and bankers at a distance. The biggest troublemaker you’ll probably ever have to deal with watches you from the mirror every mornin’.

Charlie was a storyteller at heart and openly shared who he was and how those experiences shaped him. His keys to life were Coors Light, a good cigar, and to always figure it out. Never leave angry, and be very particular; it’ll pay off.

Charlie didn’t leave angry. He left unexpectedly. He unknowingly traded his boots for oh, ‘dem golden slippers, strapped on that “killer” accordion and strutted away from all of us at Atlanticare Mainland Hospital in Galloway on Thursday, February 26, 2026, after 69 mummers parades and 80 years learning. Good judgment comes from experience and a lotta that comes from bad judgment. The best sermons are lived, not preached. Live a good, honorable life…

Charlie was born in our beautiful city of brotherly love, “Mumtown USA”, during “mum season”, actually, October 1945, just before the end of WWII. His home had contributed to the manpower of our great nation, upholding the ideals of our American freedoms in the U.S. Army. Charlie was a young man when he discovered and joined the Philadelphia Mummers String Band tradition and celebration, beginning a lifetime of love of music and mummery in the Avalon String Band in 1957. Not long after, he admittedly hitched his horses to Henry Kunzig and the Duffy String Band in 1965. He marched and performed in his last parade and performance in 2026 in Duffy String Band’s “Music Store Galore.” Charlie was an inspiring leader serving the band as drill master, music director, and long-time President. He was elected to and joined his family and bandmates, Captain Henry Kunzig, Sr., and Captain Teddy Kudrick in the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association Hall of Fame in 2007. Charlie’s influence, contribution, and showmanship in the Mummers Parade will forever be remembered, as Steve Highsmith said it best. “The Picasso of Plumes.” If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.

At home, Charlie was a pit master and absolutely loved to grill and BBQ, especially at the annual “Rib Off”, chew the fat, and enjoy a few beers with his cigars in the garage. The neighbors and all those pick-up string band musicians just “loved” those Friday night porch jam sessions, beginning at 10:00 pm at Southern Comfort… so did the police.

This is the house that Charlie built, and he was self-made, making a career in construction. He built homes, worked for Home Depot, and spent years working for Rebcor out of Pottstown, PA. And, of course, being the handyman and jack of all trades at Southern Comfort Apartments in N. Wildwood.

The old country roads took Charlie home. He leaves to live by his famous words, his lifelong best friend, partner in this craziness, and wife, Cheryl Crowe (nee Kudrick). He will be deeply missed by his girls, Sharon & her husband Vince “Sparky” Farry, Tricia Ann & her husband David Sztenderowicz, and Kristi & her husband Darren Goemmer. He is the proud grandfather of Collin, Karlie, Charlie, Madeline, Carter, Oliver, and Lucas. Charlie is also survived and will be sadly missed by his best friend, Anthony Celenza, and faithful builder and hands-on worker/ partner in crime, Rodrigo as well as the Duffy String Band and a lifetime of friends and musicians he has met and performed with in the Philadelphia Mummers String Band hobby. He was predeceased by his brother Richard, brother-in-law Teddy Kudrick, and his faithful, furry best buddies Buddy, Sophie, Charlie, Jr., and Doll baby. 

Relatives, friends, neighbors, string bands, and mummers are invited to gather with Charlie’s family. We’ll come together for, yep… those stories, mum tapes, Coors Light, and good cigars to take comfort in each other. We’ll remember, celebrate, and pay tribute to Charlie the best way we know how on Tuesday morning between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm at McGee Celebration Creran Funeral Home, 400 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn, where those who wish to speak and share memories and stories are welcome. We'll make a mess in the snow, so the ground, like us, appears wounded in a graveside tribute where United States Army military honors will be offered.

Chal, thank you for the “Mummeries”.

As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made, in Charlie's memory, to the Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center using the link below.

Please share your memories, photos, and stories of Charlie with us below

© 2026 Creran Celebration LLC. All Rights Reserved - Reproduction Strictly Prohibited

#mcgeecelebration #heartfelt