On September 7, 2024, God called home one of his beloved, Charles Alfred Larkin, affectionately known as “Charlie”. Charles went to be with the Lord after years of battling a multitude of medical ailments. He spent his final days surrounded by his family and friends at home.
Charles, the son of the late James Francis Larkin and Elizabeth LeVant Larkin, was born on October 2, 1939, in Charleston, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents and his four loving sisters Helen Hartwell, Maeola Brockington, Madlyn White, and Thelma Vann-Brown. Charles leaves behind a loving wife Roberta and five children Nathaniel “Jerome” (Gail), Rodney (Catherine), Andrea, Vonnette (Merton), and Annette, his two brothers William (Eleanor) and Harry (Sylvia), two grandsons Derrick and Tori, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Charles attended Charleston Public Schools and graduated from Burke High School in June 1957. Following high school, Charles enlisted in the United States Army. He bravely served his country for twenty years including two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. For his active service, Charles received a Bronze Star Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, an Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, a Good Conduct Medal – 7 Awards, a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, an Army Service Ribbon, and an Overseas Ribbon.
During his military career, Charles served in the ROTC Department at Norfolk State College as an administrator and instructor. He retired from the United States Army with the rank of Sergeant First Class in 1983. Understanding the value of education, Charles earned his associate’s degree in liberal arts from St. Leo College in January 1991. He also earned a certification from Advance Technology Institute in auto mechanics.
Following retirement from the military, Charles joined Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) as an Administrator and Jr. ROTC Instructor. Respected by his colleagues and students for his dedication and support, he served in this capacity for 17 years and retired from NNPS in July 2005. He enjoyed impacting young people, Charles was a devoted husband, father, and family man. Charles and Roberta wedded in July of 1971 after an enchanted courtship that started in childhood. Charles and Roberta had their love language, although their children never understood it. He was a great provider, always sacrificing for his family, and ensuring their needs were met. After retiring from the military, but prior to his employment with NNPS, Charles worked several jobs, including cleaning and private security to make ends meet. A strict disciplinarian, always demanding his children do their very best, Charles stressed the importance of a solid education and work ethic. His children knew there were three options in life: college, military, or trade school.
Charles recognized the importance of a Christian upbringing, insisting his children attend church. If we pretended to be too sick to attend church, he made sure we were too sick to do anything else for the remainder of the day. Charles always supported his children in their extracurricular activities, band recitals, musical concerts, football games, wrestling matches, and theater productions. He thrived in competition from family kickball, dodgeball, and board games. He taught his family the value of someone else’s dollar, often taking his wife’s money and throwing it down the stairs for his kids to make a mad dash to collect the loose change and the occasional dollar bill.
Charles served his community. He was an active participant in the Idlewood – Sandy Heights Civic Association. As an original member of the Civic Association, Charles authored the Association’s founding bylaws, served multiple terms as Vice President, and worked on multiple committees. Often, Charles would help organize, collect, and distribute holiday food baskets for the seniors in the neighborhood. He would also print meeting fliers and distribute them throughout the neighborhood. Charles would help organize neighborhood picnics and cookouts, shopping for the delectable delights. His generosity extended well beyond his family, often extending free rides to students, neighbors, and strangers.
Charles had an unwavering allegiance to his country, believing in its promise of life, liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness.
Charles’ life can be summed up as a duty to his Country. Honor to his Family. Service to his Community.
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Vernell & Esther Gray says
September 12, 2024 at 10:07 pmTo the Family of
Charles A. Larkin
May the peace of God be with you all.
May the works he’s done speak for him.
Hello to Ms. Roberta, Andrea, Vonnette & Annette
From Sisters Vernell & Esther Gray of
MGMBC
Scott Reiner says
September 13, 2024 at 11:28 amPlease accept my condolences and that of everyone who works with Annette at the Office of Children’s Services.
Marsha Mucha says
September 13, 2024 at 3:25 pmDear Annette –
Please know you have my deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. May God comfort you and your family at this time. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care,
Marsha
Keith and Vernita Wilson White says
September 15, 2024 at 9:16 pm.To the Family of Charles A. Larkin:
Praying that God will bless you, comfort you and keep you during this time. May He wrap His loving arms around you and give you peace. Praying for you Mrs. Berta, Jerome, Rodney, Andrea, Vonette and Annette.
Our condolences,
Keith and Vernita Wilson White
Cathy Johnson says
September 17, 2024 at 10:14 amTo Mrs. Larkin & Family🙏🏾🌷
We want to express our heartfelt condolences to you & your family.
You all were wonderful neighbors.
We thank you for everything. May you always cherish the beautiful memories!
Cathy & Mike
Rev. Calvin D & Mrs. Jacqueline J Brown Jr says
September 16, 2024 at 11:20 amJackie and I send our heartfelt condolences to Roberta and the Larkin family in the loss of brother Charlie.
Our prayers are with the family that God’s comfort and love will engulf you during your time of grief.
Sonja McCoy says
September 16, 2024 at 4:58 pmSonja McCoy and Tori McCoy
Sending my condolences to Mrs. Roberta Larkin Anette Vonette Andrea Rodney and Jerome. My god give you comfort during your time of grief. My prayers are with you during your time of grief.
Vondra Bailey Selden says
September 16, 2024 at 4:58 pmTo the Larkin family and loved ones, our thoughts, prayers and love are with you at this difficult time.
Sondra Holmes, Vondra Selden and Monica Mullins
Tricia Wright says
September 17, 2024 at 11:49 amAnnette and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May the Lord give you peace and comfort now and in the days ahead.
Tricia Wright
Tree Ridge Community Church
Crystal Bell says
September 18, 2024 at 1:01 pmSending my heartfelt condolences to Annette and family. May you find comfort in the memories you share.
Crystal Bell
Jacqueline Griggs says
September 25, 2024 at 8:48 pmRoberta and family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate through such a difficult time.