Charles Albert Kromer

Charles Albert Kromer, 82, passed into eternal life on January 18, 2026, in the Little Flower Manor, in Darby, Pennsylvania.

Born June 28, 1943, in Sandusky, Ohio, Chuck was the eldest child of Carl V. and Genevieve L. (Herman) Kromer, both deceased.

He is survived by sisters Eileen Kromer (Lynnie) of Batavia, Ohio; Marilyn (Mary) Fruehwald wife of Richard, deceased, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Emelie (Tootie) Kromer of Olympia, Washington; Rosalyn (Rose) Gaier wife of Robert of Solon, Ohio; and nephew Kevin Gaier of Columbus, Ohio.

Chuck also leaves behind many friends and neighbors in Collingswood, New Jersey, business and professional associates, and longtime friends James Sparkman and William Otter who were able to visit him in his last days.

After graduation from St. Mary High School in Sandusky, Chuck attended John Carroll University where he earned a bachelor’s degree. As a youngster he had always been interested in transportation and pursued that as a career working in Cleveland, Erie, Pennsylvania, Saudi Arabia, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Chuck worked for and retired from the Southeast Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) as a transportation planner and earned a master’s degree in that field from University of Pennsylvania.

Chuck walked the walk and talked the talk, literally.  When he left Cincinnati for Philadelphia, he parked his car in a storage lot and never drove again, relying entirely on public transportation. As the “town crier” and “the weatherman” of New Jersey Avenue, Chuck encouraged his neighbors in Collingswood to walk more; they followed his lead.

Some things that Chuck enjoyed during his life included the color blue, classical and theater organ music, acting and singing in musical plays, airships/dirigibles of all kinds, and beautifully written greeting cards which he sent to family and friends.  Chuck spoke particularly fondly of being the conductor/stationmaster/station manager of the first Cedar Point railroad in his youth. He traveled frequently, both nationally and internationally, exploring transportation systems, and was an avid rail fan and collector of model trains, sometimes setting his collection of trains up for people to enjoy at community events.

Chuck was spoken of as being generous and loyal to both friends and family.  Additionally, he was consistently kind and grateful to his support network of friends, family members, and professionals who accompanied him on his journey, tending to his medical, social, spiritual, and other needs along the way during these past many months.  Chuck will be deeply missed. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday morning, March 12, 2026 from 9 am till 9:50 am at the David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 510 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH. Fr. Monte Hoyles officiating.   Burial will take place immediately afterward at Calvary Cemetery, Sandusky, OH.

Family suggests that any contributions made in memory of Chuck be sent to any one of The Catholic Parishes of Sandusky (Holy Angels, 428 Tiffin Ave., Sandusky, OH, 44870; St. Mary's, 429 Central Ave, Sandusky; or Sts. Peter and Paul, Pastoral Office, 510 Columbus Ave., Sandusky) or to one's favorite charity.

Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Chuck's family at davidfkoch.com.

Services entrusted to David F Koch Funeral & Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Ave, Sandusky.  Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Chuck's family at davidfkoch.com.

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