Charles ‘Charlie’ Franklin Keller, aircraft mechanic

Charles "Charlie" Franklin Keller, 76, formerly of Reading, Pa., of Millsboro since his retirement, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, in Christiana Hospital.

He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy J. (Ziolkowski) Keller. On March 19, 2017, they would have celebrated 57 years of marriage. He was born in Reading July 1, 1940, a son of the late Charles B. and Hazel (Grabert) Keller. Charlie was a 1958 Mt. Penn graduate, and a retired U.S. Navy aircraft mechanic serving rank of Chief Petty Officer First Class for 22 years, retiring in 1983.

He was a member of St. Stephen's Polish National Catholic Church. He enjoyed tinkering and repairing things which couldn't be fixed, and was an avid New York Yankees fan and an Oakland Raiders fan.

In addition to his wife, Charlie is also survived by his son Dwayne and his wife Michele Keller of Millmon, Pa., his two daughters, Rhonda Schuler and her significant other Robert Rogan Sr of Delaware., and Christine and her husband Robert Jaskolka of Temple, Pa.; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. There are four siblings, Elaine Keller of Fleetwood, Pa., June Reich of Danville, Pa., James Keller of Fleetwood, and Gerald Keller of Fleetwood.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 3, at 10:30 a.m., in St. Stephen's Polish NCC, 20 St. Stephen's Church Ln., Reading. Burial to follow in the church cemetery with military honors. A viewing will be Friday from 9 to 10 a.m., in Theo C. Auman Funeral Home, 247 Penn St., Reading, with a funeral wake at 945 a.m., with the Very Rev. Edward D. Ratajack.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Georgetown DE SPCA or Disabled Veterans. Online condolences may be made at www.theocauman.com.