Obituaries

Dr. Charles D. Bortle, 58

October 08, 2017

Dr. Charles “Charlie” D. Bortle, 58, of Lititz, lost his 5 ½ year battle to renal cell carcinoma on Sunday, October 8, 2017.
Charlie graduated from F & M College in 1982, and the University of Phoenix where he earned his Master’s Degree in 2003 and EdD in 2007.
He began his medical career as an EMT and orderly. As he continued his education, his career included being a paramedic, respiratory therapist, flight medic, ordained minister, Clinical Coordinator for St. Joseph’s Hospital Paramedic Program, Director of the Albert Einstein Paramedic Program and most recently, the Director for the Einstein Center for Clinical Competence. He also taught for LEMSA, Distance CME, Arcadia University and the University of Philadelphia.
Charlie was a contributing author in the Merck Manual, Nancy Caroline’s Paramedic Textbook and the Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Deborah (Hanna) Bortle, with whom he celebrated 27 years of marriage; three children: Erica Cammauf, wife of Nicholas, of Lancaster; Erin Spohn, wife of Brett, of Ephrata; and John Bortle, of Lititz; six grandchildren; Darren, Taylor, Nathan, Brennan, Jayson & Logan; and his sister, Gail Gwozdz, wife of Michael, of East Long Meadow, MA. He was preceded in death by his sister, Christine Miller and parents. His family will never forget their trips to Disney and Deerbrook, where many family memories have been made.
Memorial Services for Charlie will be held at 2PM, Sunday, October 29, 2017 at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Family and friends will be received at the funeral home from 12PM to 2PM, before the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charlie’s name may be made to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.
Charlie has inspired many people both professionally and personally and his legacy will live on for many years through the love of his family, friends, and the health care practitioners he has influenced.

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Condolences to the Family

October 31, 2017

In a moment of reflection, I paused to recall a few colleagues who inspired me. Charlie came to mind, even though we had been out of touch for close to 30 years. With just a whimsical search this notice appeared and there was his bright smile. I am saddened to learn of his passing and joyed by his celebrated life. It was an honor to know him.
Bill Raynovich

October 27, 2017

Deb & family,
I worked with Charlie and you many years ago in Respiratory Care at the old Community Hospital of Lancaster. It was obvious to me at that time that he was a bright and professional young man who would go far in his chosen field. In reading through his obituary that certainly was the case. Some things that happen in life are to difficult for us to fully understand in our human comprehension. Praying God’s peace for you in this time.
Ken Hess

October 25, 2017

I truly enjoyed my time working with Charlie. He was the consummate educator and professional that “got it done”. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
John Ward

October 23, 2017

Charlie was one of the best educators I’ve ever had the experience of learning from and working with.  He will be sorely missed.  I’m so grateful for his expertise, but above all he was a kind human being with a zest for life.  Thanks for all you’ve done, Charlie.
 
Annie Wildermuth

October 20, 2017

We had the priviledge of working with Charlie during our years at Lancaster Osteopathic Hospital.  He was a kind, funny soul who cared deeply for his friends.  Our thoughts are with his wife and children.  God Bless.
Dr. Michael & Mary Meyer
 

October 20, 2017

Charlie was the consummate EMS educator, role model and mentor for all of the students’ lives he touched. His wonderful sense of humor and dedication to the EMS profession will always be remembered.
He was the best!
Everitt F. Binns Ph.D.

October 14, 2017

Gail,  So sorry for your loss, Our hearts are with you and your family. 
Laura & Bill Speth

October 13, 2017

Charlie was a true pioneer of EMS in Pennsylvania and his impact was well beyond. The literally thousands of EMS practitioners Charlie taught, nurtured and developed into professionals is a tribute to his amazing legacy. His enthusiam was infectious. He will be sorely missed.  RIP
Steve Wirth

October 13, 2017

Deb and family….Chris and I are sending prayers and  hugs your way. Many wonderful memories of Waterland. Love….Sherri and Chris

October 13, 2017

Charlie was a kind, gentle, humorous person who honestly and completely devoted his educational knowledge and skills to every paramedic student who attended Einstein EMS Education Institute in Philadelphia. His love of education was evident in all aspects of life. Donna M. Lebisly, PROEMS

October 12, 2017

I worked with Charlie for a long time and observed his career growth throughout the years. He played an imortant role in the Respiratory Care Department at Heart of Lancaster. His clinical skills and humor were unmatched. He reminds me of a scripture verse in Proverbs “As water reflects the face, so ones life reflects the heart”. Boy did Charlie have a big heart for everyone that crossed his path! We will sincerely miss him and will pray for his family/friends.  
See You my friend,
Larry/Sharon

October 12, 2017

Deb and family,
I am so sorry for your loss.  Heaven has gained another brilliant, humerous man.  May our Father comfort you as you grieve Charlie’s passing.  It was an honor to have worked with him.  Pat Klugh

October 12, 2017

In spirit we shal be together friend. May your soul rest in eternal peace.
Joseph Seda EMT/ACLS/ITLS

October 12, 2017

Rest in Peace good friend..You will be sorely missed.

October 12, 2017

The world truly has lost someone special. Some of the best memories in my medical career included Charlie when I was a baby nurse working in the ER and Medic 3 at Lancaster Osteopathic Hospital. Charlie always made us laugh and dazzled us with his knowledge and skills. I wish I weren’t so far away-I would be honored to see you off on the next leg of your journey. Rest easy in the arms of the angels now Charlie. 
    Charlotte Robinette
 

October 11, 2017

“Frazier”….. you were an inspiration and colleague to me for many years.  The many, many times we taught…. and learned… and laughed and laughed and laughed.  You will be missed.  Save me a seat at that BTLS con ed session that you and Mike Pace are teaching for the day when I come to join you.
Neil Jones

October 11, 2017

When I chose a Paramedic Training institute to attend, I decided on St Joseph Hospital in Lancaster because  it was the top program in the state,  Charlie Bortle was a huge reason why.  Charlie was the kind of instructor you feared and admired at the same time.  He was able to teach you something complex while busting your chops to put you at ease, but before you knew it, you had learned something you never thought you would grasp.
 
He was one of a kind instructor, one hell of a clinician, weather it was as a respiratory therapist or as a Paramedic on Lancaster Medic 3 and a great man in general.  There are NO WORDS to express the loss I, and thousands of other will feel because of his absence.  My sorrow and thoughts goes out to his family. RIP Charlie you were one of the best.   
Walt Crist
 

October 11, 2017

What an honor it was to have worked with such a good man with a wealth of knowledge he shared. I learned a great deal from Charlie. His sense of humor was just what was needed during a tense moment. Rest In Peace my friend!    Prayers to Deb and the rest of his family and friends.    Jane Howett Groff

October 11, 2017

Dear Deb and family,
I am very sorry for your loss.  Charlie will be missed by so many people and the healthcare community.
Sincere condolences,
Janine Truehart

October 11, 2017

I will always think of Charlie as if seeing a genius riding a unicorn wearing a clown nose. Brilliant, unique and inherently funny. Big shoes to fill World! Going to be missed greatly. Spike

October 11, 2017

It is with sadness and pride that I bid farewell to Charlie. I’m sad that we, at Einstein, will not have the opportunity to continue to work with Charlie ………a wealth of information, a kind soul, and true professional.  It is with great pride that I share what a privilege it has been to work with him.
My condolences and deepest sympathy go out to Deborah and the family.  Pat Modafferi

October 11, 2017

I knew Charlie from working at Einstein.  What a wonderful person to know and work with.  I always admired his bravery and positive attitude.  His humor and warm smile will be greatly missed.
Cathy Markey

October 11, 2017

you will be missed, I am glad to have known you.
scott callaham

October 11, 2017

I worked with Charlie for several years and we conducted some research together. Charlie was a “can-do” person with vision and a great personality to go along with it. He always made you smile and feel good about work and life…he was encouraging and a “water-half full” kind of guy. Being like Charlie is an impactful way to honor his legacy and keep it alive for the benefit and wellness of self and others. J.P. Orlando

October 11, 2017

RIP 

October 11, 2017

If ever there was a true Renaissance Man, Charlie was that man.  What a professional and personal legacy he left behind.  I, for one, will miss him greatly.  
Steven Parrillo

October 11, 2017

I grew up with Charlie, graduated with him in high school.  Lost track of him hooked back with him on Facebook.  Prayers for the family,  welcome home Charlie thy good and faithful servant. Enjoy the abundance of thy father’s house. Miss you and love you.  Freddie white

October 11, 2017

Rest easy Charlie. You made an impact of hundreds if not thousands of lives. You will be missed. Fair winds and followed seas…..Layne K. Shore
 

October 11, 2017

Such a loss…I knew Charlie from Einstein and years before…a dynamic gentleman, teacher, and friend… Rest easy, my Brother… See you on the other side…

October 10, 2017

Charlie always had a smile in his face! His humor touched many! We will miss him terribly! I pray for comfort and peace to his family. Monica Whalen

October 10, 2017

Charlie, was inspiration to me as a young EMT. Charlie always was learning and sharing his wealth of knowledge. Gone all to soon. May his family have peace during this time. Rod Gordon 

October 10, 2017

Having known Charlie for many years both professionally and personally the news of his passing while sad  is not how Charlie would want to be grieved. Rather he would want us to use what he has taught us to provide the best care possible  to our patients. And also remember to smile at all life gives us.

Visitation
Sunday, October 29, 2017
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Sunday, October 29, 2017
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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