WESTFIELD – Charles Elmer Cordonier, 91, a long-time resident of Westfield, died Friday evening, peacefully, at home, after a struggle with cancer. Born into a multi-generational family with western Massachusetts roots, he was brought up in West Springfield, MA.
A lifelong passion for anything aeronautical, brought him to the rank of Sergeant in the Army Air Corps from which he was honorably discharged in 1946 after serving in World War II with the 396th Fighter Squadron 368th Fighter Group. Mr Cordonier graduated from the University of Missouri’s journalism school with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. He went on to a career in writing, including editing and writing for newspapers, writing flight instruction and airplane mechanical manuals, technical writing, and eventually working in the advertising industry as an advertising executive. Charles’ love of history, politics, business, country, and journalism kept him vibrant through the years. Mr. Cordonier considered himself blessed with family and good friends.
His wife of 52 years, Sybil, died in 2006. He cared for her as well as his brother, Ernest, who died after a long illness. Mr. Cordonier leaves his beloved sister, Doris, and her two children, Wendy and John. He leaves John’s three children, Morgan, Danielle, and Sophia. Charles leaves his daughter, Hope, grandson, Dustin, granddaughter, Kim, and great-grandson, Dalton. A step-son, Gerald predeceased Mr. Cordonier in 1986. Charles also leaves a niece and nephew, Carolyn, and Ronnie, and Carolyn’s children.
Calling hours to honor Charles Cordonier will be held at the First Congregational Church in Westfield from 10:00-11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 3rd. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the church with burial at the Agawam Veterans’ Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.
Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
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