Obituary of Charlie Fennell

Charlie Henry Fennell was born July 1, 1939 in Ahoskie, North Carolina, to the union of James and Julia Fennell.  He attended Robert E. Vann Elementary School in Ahoskie.   In 1946, the family moved to New York City where he continued his education and graduated from Commerce High School.   

After graduation, Charlie married his first love, Bernice Ware, which lasted until her demise.  They were blessed with one son, Keith.

During this time, he also enlisted and served in the U. S. Army.  Upon his discharge, Charlie worked as an Accounts Payable Clerk, a taxi driver and a postal worker.   He eventually applied for and landed a job with the Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MABSTOA) as a Bus Operator in 1966. Through diligence and hard work, he became one of the first African-Americans to pass the city test to be elevated to Bus Dispatcher. He was well-known and respected throughout MABSTOA. He retired 34 years later as one of the longest-tenured MABSTOA employees.

Many years later, Charlie met and married the love of his life, Betty Smith Moore.  They were blessed with one daughter, Kimberly.  The family moved to West Haverstraw, NY, where they became loyal members of the Fairmount Baptist Church.  Because of his loyalty to God and the church, he became an ordained Deacon in 2005.  He served faithfully as a Deacon, Usher (secretary of the Male Usher Board), and on the food pantry auxiliary until his health failed.  He received several certificates of recognition for his accomplishments during his career with MABSTOA and in the ministry. 

Deacon Fennell was a doting, easy-going and loving father of four children: two sons: Keith Fennell and Wylie Fennell; and two daughters:  Dawna Fennell and Kimberly Fennell.  Deacon Fennell, a warm and gentle person, loved his family dearly.   

Deacon Fennell’s hobbies and special interests included music, photography, playing golf, traveling (especially cruises), dabbling in electronics, computer flight simulations, and studying the word.  He collected Bibles and biblical videos. 

Deacon Fennell was predeceased by his parents, James and Julia Fennell, and his oldest brother, James Carl (J.C.).   He leaves to treasure his memory his devoted wife, Betty Fennell, his children, Keith Fennell of Lithonia, GA; Dawna Fennell of New York City, NY;  Wylie Fennell (Carole) of New York City, and Kimberly Fennell of Garnerville, NY;   three grandsons: Hunter Fennell, Kenneth Fennell, and Philip Simmons; one granddaughter, Naomi Simmons; three godchildren: Michelle Hill, Shawn Hall and Nicholas Lawrence;  two siblings: Norene Fennell Wells (Jackie Brown) of Snellville, GA, and Murray Fennell Vaughn (Cynthia) of Snellville, GA;  Sister-in-laws: Mattie Stacy; Rose Murphy (Jean); Doris Lewis (Anthony); Brother-in-laws:  Philip Smith (Shirley); Clifford Smith (Genola); a loving, supportive cousin, Mary Fennell Cole; a loving aunt, Esther Vann; a very special buddy and supporter, Derek Pretlow,  a super loving niece and caretaker, Brandi Wells,  and a host of nieces, nephews,  cousins, and friends.