Charles J. Trautwein's Obituary
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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