Obituaries

Charles James Wallace

September 10, 1950 - June 24, 2026

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Chal’s life on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, with a visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am, at Ashcraft Funeral Home, 740 S. Broadway, Pennsville, NJ 08070. In keeping with Chal’s wishes, strictly casual attire is requested. He would have wanted everyone to come comfortably, share stories, laugh often, and celebrate a life that was truly well lived.

Charles James “Chal” Wallace, of Pennsville, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife Sharon and his children on June 24, 2026, at the age of 75. Born on September 10, 1950, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Chal lived a life defined not by wealth or recognition, but by hard work, unwavering devotion to his family, and a heart that never stopped giving.

He was the beloved son of the late Elizabeth (Seltner) Wallace and James Wallace, devoted husband of nearly 55 years to the love of his life, Sharon (Flemming) Wallace, loving father to Charles (Cynthia) Wallace, Jeffrey (Courtney) Wallace, Dennis (Cindy) Wallace, Holly (Michael) Booth, and Amy (Igor) Grimberg; cherished Pop Pop to Jessica Ferrau, Charles Wallace, Gabrielle Wallace, Mackenzie Wallace, Jeffrey Wallace, Jared Wallace, Juliet Wallace, Richard Way, Ava Grace Way, Johanna Way, Thomas Booth, Kendall Booth, Charlie Grimberg, Lennox Grimberg, Colin Wallace, Sean Wallace, Erin Wallace, Megan Wallace, and Caitlin Wallace and beloved Great Grand Pop Pop to Paislei Dawson and Henry Wallace and long-time favorite companion and best friend to his dog Arlo.

He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters, Jim, Joe, Annie, Liz, Phyllis, and Tom, and is survived by his siblings, Fran, Mike, Rose, Dot, and John.

For his entire working career, Chal proudly drove for Wricley Nut Company in South Philadelphia, a job he truly loved. His work ethic was extraordinary. When times were tough, he never hesitated to take on extra work, delivering pizzas in Fishtown, painting boats at the shipyard, or doing whatever was necessary to provide for his family. Though money was often scarce, he and Sharon made certain that all five of their children received a Catholic school education, believing that opportunity, faith, and values were worth every sacrifice. His family meant the world to him and his unwavering hard work and sacrifice made sure that none of them ever did without.

Raising his family in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, the Wallace children always knew when Dad was coming home. Long before they saw him, they heard the unmistakable rumble of the old wood-paneled station wagon he somehow always managed to keep running. It wasn’t new or flashy, but it was dependable, just like the man behind the wheel.

Chal was rugged, resourceful, and incredibly handy. If something needed fixing, he could fix it. If he had never built it before, he’d figure it out. He was the neighbor everyone knew, the friend everyone respected, and the man who was always willing to lend a hand. It wasn’t uncommon to hear someone call out, “Hey, Chal!” followed by a conversation that lasted much longer than Sharon had planned. She may have rolled her eyes from time to time, but together they were the perfect balance, two people whose differences somehow made them an even stronger team.

Their story began more than 55 years ago while working together at Father & Son’s Pizza on Kensington Avenue. They built a beautiful life together, one rooted in loyalty, sacrifice, laughter, and unconditional love. Later in life, after years of putting everyone else first, Chal fulfilled a dream by buying his first Harley Davidson Sportster before eventually upgrading to the Heritage Softail he cherished. Some of his happiest moments were spent riding the country roads of Salem County and beyond with Sharon, the two of them looking less like grandparents and more like two young people falling in love all over again.

To his grandchildren, he wasn’t simply their Grandfather, he was their “Pop Pop”. They were his greatest joy, and there wasn’t a conversation that lasted very long before he found a way to tell someone about one of them. His quick wit, legendary sense of humor, playful banter, and unconditional love created memories they will carry for the rest of their lives.

Chal wasn’t a perfect man, and he never pretended to be. He expected a lot from his children, believed in accountability, and worked hard to keep them on the right path. Looking back, they understand that every lesson, every sacrifice, and every expectation came from a place of deep and unwavering love. If anyone in his family ever needed him, they knew he was only a phone call away.

In the end, his greatest accomplishment wasn’t measured by the miles he drove, the things he built, or the countless hours he worked. It was the family he loved so completely and the example he quietly set every single day. His heart was pure. His love for his family was unparalleled. His journey through life was rich with purpose, humility, laughter, and substance.

For those who loved him, perhaps the best way to remember Chal is this: for years, you could hear that old wood-paneled station wagon coming long before you ever saw it. In much the same way, his presence will continue to be felt long after he has gone. Just like that rumble of that old wood-paneled wagon, everyone who loved him will always know he is never far from home . His lessons, his laughter, his strength, and his love will echo through generations of Wallaces yet to come and his memories will forever live within the hearts of so many of the loved ones that he touched.