Obituary of Charles Vrana

.teach me freedom, as the eagle which soars in the sky. Sunward I've climbed on laughter-silvered wings. High in the sunlit silence, I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace and on Wednesday May 10, 2012 Charles Vrana reached out and touched God's face. Thanks and praise, for our days, N'eath the sun, N'eath the stars, N'eath the sky. Mr. Vrana was born in New York, New York and had spent his early years in Pennsauken before making his home and raising his family in Cherry Hill. The Vranas enjoyed retired life in Manahawkin, moving there, full time in 1992. The Vrana household contributed to the manpower of our nation. Charlie was drafted and served his country in the U.S Army upholding the American ideals of freedom. He was proud of being a soldier and the blue starry field of our nation's glorious banner had been glorified by his service. Charlie was a self-made man with a strong work ethic. He worked as a carpenter and was a longtime member of the Philadelphia Carpenters Union, Local # 8. After more than 20 years, Mr. Vrana retired as the Vice President of Kilgore Co. in Paoli, PA. Charlie was a certified pilot and owned his own airplane. He was a member of A.O.P.A and had been a member of the F&AM Merchantville Lodge 119. Charlie loved his talk radio and often won radio contest prizes. In his final days talk radio would be his greatest source of comfort. Walt Disney had said; "We believe in our idea. a family park where parents and children could have fun.together." Charlie LOVED Disney! Through the years he and his family were season pass holders and he even visited Disney on his own from time to time. The fond memories of family fun on the rides and in the parks will last just as long as the brick that bears his name in Magic Kingdom. Mr. Vrana is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 58 years Claire (nee O'Neill) Vrana. Charlie is the father of Bruce & his wife Jenny Vrana, Michelle & her husband Allan Gameron and Jennifer Vrana. He is the proud "Papa" of Robert and Laura Vrana, Jessica and the late Joey Gameron. Charlie is the brother of the late Eugene Vrana and also survived and will be sadly missed by his brother-in-law Douglas O'Neill. Relatives and friends are invited to join the Vrana family to remember Charlie, dad and papa, celebrate the magic of Disney and family and pay tribute to our nation's soldier in a memorial ceremony on Tuesday at 3:00 pm at the Atco United Presbyterian Church 2259 Atco Ave., Atco, NJ 08004. Pastor Joseph Beggs, officiating. Inurnment and military honors were held privately. Please, NO FLOWERS! As an expression of sympathy donations can be made to Holy Redeemer Hospice 1228 Rt. 37 West, Toms River NJ 08755 or to the Church's "Building Faith Fund" at the above address.