Charles J. Trautwein

PALM COAST- Charles J. (Charlie) Trautwein, born on December 22, 1938, passed away peacefully with his loving wife of 39 years, Sandra (Selleck) Trautwein by his side at his home in the Grand Haven community in Palm Coast, Florida. Charlie was born in New York City, the son of Charles O. and Rita (Miller) Trautwein. He lived in New York City until the family moved to Bayport, New York in 1950. As an adult, he lived in Lake Ronkonkoma and Brightwaters NY. He graduated from Bayport High School in 1956, and attended Hofstra College, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Lamba fraternity and graduated with a B.S. in Education in 1960. He subsequently obtained two Master’s degrees, one in Education and one in History. Charlie was employed as a High School Social Studies Teacher at the West Islip High School in West Islip, NY for 35 years. Charlie took great pride in his accomplishments as a teacher. Like all good teachers, he not only taught students the facts of history, but also about life and the skills needed to succeed, particularly the ability to write a coherent essay. He especially enjoyed his role as advisor to the Happy Wanderer’s Club, where he served as chaperone on trips to Europe. By all accounts, he had a great rapport with his students, and when he met former students after his retirement, they all told him he was a favorite teacher. After his retirement in 1995, Charlie and Sandy moved to Palm Coast. From 2005 to 2010, Charlie served on the Board of Supervisors of the Grand Haven Development District. He was an active member of the St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church, including service on the church council. In addition to his wife Sandy, Charlie is survived by his daughter Christine (Nick) Todaro of St. Peters, Missouri; his son John Trautwein of Middle Island NY; his granddaughter Danielle (Chance) Wallace of St. Peters, Missouri; his granddaughter Amanda (Connor) Barnard of Warrenton, Missouri; and 3 great-grandchildren, Mia Mae, Ava Rose, Sawyer Lee. And he is also survived by his brother Richard (Jan) Trautwein of Venice Florida and their children, Sam (Taqiyya)Trautwein and Kate (Matt) Bloomer. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Gail and David Farrell and their children, Katherine (Thibault) Corbin de Mangoux, their son Axel, and David (Tanya) and son, Rory and daughter, Aoife. He is predeceased by sister, Rita (Larry) Springsteen and their daughter, Sharon Brose. Larry Springsteen and Rita and Larry’s daughter, Susie (Guy) Turchetti, also survive Charlie. Several cousins, grandnieces, and grandnephews survive him as well. A Memorial Service will be 11:00 am, Saturday, April 26, 2025 at St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to SMBS Lutheran Church 303 Palm Coast Pkwy NE, Palm Coast FL 32137 or your favorite charity.

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Charles J. Trautwein

December 22, 1938 - October 19, 2024