Charles L. Graffius, served under presidents

Charles L. Graffius of Rehoboth Beach passed away Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016. A native of North Vandergrift, Pa., he was born Feb. 8, 1930, son of the late Clyde and Elsie Graffius.

Charles proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1948-67. He served in Berlin, Germany, Paris, France and San Francisco, Ca.if. before gaining access to an assignment in the White House in Washington, D.C. He worked there under presidents  Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson, and he made many trips with the presidential party. After retiring from the military he was instrumental in the founding of Hiban, Graffius Management Company, supervising 30 condominiums and co-ops in the Washington area.

Charles was one of the initial founders of the 1600 Communications Association, an organization of present and past members of the military and Secret Service who served in the White House. He is a past president of the organization. He was the recipient of the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his service. He was also a member of BUSMA, an organization of veterans of the Berlin Air Lift of 1948-49. Charles is the author of "I Never Kissed My Father Goodby," A memoir of his life and adventures.

Charles is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mai-Britt who married him in Paris; one daughter, Jeannie Eichner and her husband Martin of Palo Alto, Calif.; and a brother Donald and his wife Andee of Philadelphia, Pa.

Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

Please visit Charles Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.