Charles Kenneth Sells

The Life and Legacy of Charles Kenneth Sells

Charles Kenneth Sells, affectionately known as Charlie, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and prominent figure in the community, passed away peacefully at the age of 79. Charles was born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 5, 1946 to the late Edith M. Sells and Kenneth L. Sells. Charles graduated from Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in Port Jefferson, New York in 1964. He earned an associates degree in mechanical engineering from Suffolk County Community College in 1968 and continued his education in the field of mechanical engineering at Lafayette College. Charles moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he began his career at Bell Labs. It was at Bell Labs that he met his first wife, Sylvia Washington. Charles then dedicated three decades to the Xerox Corporation. He started his tenure in May 1975 as a senior customer service representative and retired on May 10, 2005. He was highly respected for his charming demeanor and his talent for innovative problem-solving and troubleshooting client issues with their Xerox machines. During his time in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Charles was deeply committed to St. James A.M.E. Zion Church. He took on many roles, including serving on the trustee board, the steward board, as pastor steward, and as church treasurer. He also volunteered as the church van driver. Later, while living in Ocala, Florida, Charles found a deeply meaningful way to serve others by volunteering as a counselor to women at Lowell Women’s Maximum Security Prison. His dedication to this work was recognized with the 2012 Life Skills Award. He made such a profound and lasting impact that he continued to correspond with several of the women even after his counseling service concluded.

Charles Kenneth Sells was a devoted New York Giants fan. An avid golfer, he was often seen on the back nine on a Thursday evening or Saturday morning. He also enjoyed his Wednesday night bowling league, achieving a notable accomplishment with a score of 279 after rolling 11 consecutive strikes. He enjoyed playing card games with friends. His memory will be cherished by his loving wife Jennifer; his daughters and grandchildren: Lisa Jacqueline (Daniel) (Delaney, Danika, and Demi), Aja Nicole (Stefan) (Sofia, Ronin, Josephine, and Cecilia), and Melissa Lynn (Charles) (Sylvia, Ella, Lincoln, Lyla, Theodore, and Dorothy), and Ashley (Nasir); two elder sisters: Edythe Darlene (Warren) and Marilyn Kay (Sylvester); by five younger siblings: Sharon Ann, Jeffrey Craig, Candice Marie (Carl) Jacqueline Carol (Ulysses) and Janice Lynn (Dwayne). He was preceded in death by his first beautiful wife and mother of his three children, Lisa, Aja, and Melissa, Sylvia Washington; three siblings: Margaret Emma (Edward), Kenneth Francis (Martha) and Donald Edward (Debra).

Interment: Cedar Hill Memorial Park A man of profound joy and a sharp wit, Charles believed that life was best lived with a smile on one’s face and a lesson in one's heart. He was a natural teacher who took every opportunity to impart wisdom to the younger generations, ensuring his legacy of resilience and faith would endure. He didn't just live life; he loved every moment of it. He was loved and highly respected by all who came into contact with him. Whether he was cracking a joke to lighten a heavy room or offering a steady hand of guidance, he lived by the simple truths that sustained him: to 'keep your eye on the sparrow' and to take life 'one day at a time.' "I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free. For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me."

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