Obituary of Charles Sellman

Charles Harwood Sellman of Naples, FL and Basking Ridge, NJ peacefully left this world on Thursday, August 22, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Boston on October 23, 1934 to Frank Harwood and Dorothy Burgess Abbe Sellman and raised in Wellesley Hills, MA. Charlie, as he was known to all, was an athletic and gregarious young man with many interests and even more friends. Educated primarily in the Wellesley Public Schools, Charlie graduated from The Belmont Hill School in 1953. Later, while attending Dartmouth College, Charlie was a member of the varsity hockey team, Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity and the Sphinx Senior Honor Society. He graduated in 1957. After graduating Dartmouth and receiving his MBA from Boston University, Charlie became a highly respected and active member of the Boston business community working in the area for decades. A true gentleman, Charlie was as widely admired for his friendly manner and personal integrity as for his long list of professional accomplishments while at companies including Coopers & Lybrand, Barry Wright, AT Cross and the Financial Executives Institute. In 2003, he retired to Naples with his beloved wife Carol by his side and golf on his mind. Much like his father, he was an avid golfer and never missed an opportunity to play a round with family and friends. He and Carol loved to travel and their “C&C adventures” kept them busy visiting friends and new places around the world. Charlie was a devoted member of the United Church of Christ in Naples, The Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church in Basking Ridge, New Jersey and St. Dunstan’s Church in Dover, MA, where he proudly served in various leadership roles. Family was everything to Charlie. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, uncle, father and grandfather. Known as Charlie, Dad, Chief, Grandpa Charlie or Buddy, he was the anchor of the family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and delighted in his ever-growing brood. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy and everyone knew it. He was always ready with a steadying hand or word of advice and encouragement whenever it was needed. Charlie is predeceased by his parents, Dorothy in 1955, Frank in 1991, beloved first wife Elaine Kelleher Sellman in 1982, and grandson Luke Lewis Sellman in 2001. Charlie is survived by his loving wife Carol and children Frank, Jonathan, Jessica, Jason and David, their spouses and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his devoted sister and brother in law Cynthia and Dean Ervin of Chatham, MA and Carol’s children, John, Sarah and Greg, and their families. Known for his capacity for kindness and friendship, Charlie leaves behind a grateful family, a legion of dear friends and a legacy of wonderful memories and abiding love. Private services will be held on September 7, 2013 in Basking Ridge. For more information please contact the funeral home at 908-766-0250 or to light an online condolence candle visit our website www.gcfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations can be made to either of The Belmont Hill School Class of 1953 Memorial Fund or the United Church of Christ of Naples Endowment fund.