Obituaries

Jesse Gingrich Charles, 59

December 25, 1962 - April 29, 2022

Jesse G. Charles, 59, of Manor Twp., passed away on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Lancaster General Hospital, following a recent cancer diagnosis. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of Martha Charles Sangree and the late Ivan G. Charles. Jesse was the beloved husband of Sylvia “Sib” (Nafziger) Charles. They would have celebrated thirty years of marriage this coming May 23rd.

Along with his mother and wife, Jesse will be missed by his son, Nicholas and his wife Marnice; two brothers, Stephen and his wife Janice, and Samuel and his wife Susan; a sister, Eunice Charles; and nine nieces and nephews.

Jesse was a 1982 graduate of Lancaster Mennonite High School, and later earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Messiah College. In 1983 Jesse had a life altering accident when he fell out of a tree and broke his neck. For 39 years he was a quadriplegic. He never let his disability stop him from leading a full and wonderful life. He worked as a Customer Service Representative for United Disabilities Services in Lancaster. Jesse loved nature and enjoyed hunting, bird watching and smoking cigars with his friends. His favorite thing though was being with his wife, son and daughter-in-law. He was a member of Manor Church.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service which will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Manor Church, 530 Central Manor Road, Lancaster, PA, 17603. A private interment at Habecker Mennonite Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family. Please consider wearing a mask to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions in Jesse’s memory be made to Joni and Friends Pennsylvania, 340 Highland Drive, Suite 200, Mountville, PA 17554.

Watch the tribute video

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page


Be sure to include your name

Please note that your condolence will not appear on this page until it is reviewed. Condolences usually appear within 24 hours of being submitted.

Condolences to the Family

May 11, 2022

Sending all of my condolences to Jesse’s family and loved ones during this time. Peace be with you all. 
Jessie Broussard

May 10, 2022

So saddened by your loss. What an inspiration, blessing, and impact Jesse has made in this world. He  will be deeply missed. I pray for God’s continued love and grace as you navigate this most difficult time. Sib, I love you so much and you, along with your dearest son Nick, beautiful wife Marnice and family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. ox 

May 09, 2022

I was sorry to hear the news about Jesse. He is someone I would’ve liked to get back in touch with as I’ve recently come back to PA after many years in Asia. I remember the first day he joined our second grade class at Locust Grove. We were very impressed with his height and how high he could jump! I haven’t seen him in a couple of decades but I will always remember his smile, kindness and remarkable attitude. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and coworkers. Heidi A. Wenger

May 08, 2022

I had worked with Jesse at Fabral. He always had kinds words, a positive attitude and was a pleasure to work with. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

May 06, 2022

I had the privilege of working with Jesse at Sharing Programs. He helped to instill in me a servants heart as i was one of his care givers on the job. He was was a patient and kind man. Sorry for your loss and yet he is rejoicing in a new body!
Wesley lapp

May 06, 2022

Sib, I’m very sorry. My thoughts and prayers for you, Nick and the rest of the family. Lisa Ferrer 

May 05, 2022

To Martha, Eunice and all your family, I am very sorry for your loss. I never got to meet Jesse and yet, I was always so impressed by Eunice telling me about his remarkable life, resilience, courage and will to make the most of his life.
Martha a warm hug to you, you have endured so much and with so much strength, love, patience and grace. I am full of admiration.
Giovannella

May 04, 2022

I helped take care of Jesse during his rehab stay. He was one of the sparklers at Elizabethtown Rehab and taught us all the strength of the human spirit. Prayers to the family and friends of Jesse. He was truly a remarkable person.
Christine Garman “Tina”

May 04, 2022

Sib- Love and prayers from Race Street House (Larry Deck) and the HVMI Adult Bible Study group. You have been on our prayer list the last couple months ❤️
ELIZABETH VENDLEY

May 03, 2022

To Sib & family,We feel so sorry you lost your beloved Jess.  It was good to get to know you in the yrs we worked at SL.  Both of you made a great pair and did so much for Joni & Friends and others who were in need of encouragement in so many ways.  The Lord bless your family.

May 03, 2022

Grandma Catherine Esch shared about Jesse’s tenacity and energy for many years before we met. He was an inspiring, godly man and he and Sib made a great pair! 
May God comfort Sib and the family and bring to mind the many memories with this amazing man!

May 03, 2022

We are so sorry for your loss and are praying for you and your family.

May 03, 2022

So very sorry for your loss.  Prayers for all of you, your families and friends.  

May 03, 2022

I am so sorry for your loss. 

May 03, 2022

Gods comfort as only He can give…to Sib and her family and all of Jesse family and friends as they remain behind in memories. Thank you Lord for the promise and hope of our future. You’ll be missed Jesse 

May 03, 2022

Jesse was such a special man and will be forever missed in this lifetime. So thankful to know he no longer tarries in a broken body but is made whole with Jesus!

May 02, 2022

A life well lived, good and faithful servant. Like so many others, I am a better person for having known you. I rejoice in your freedom from the confinement of the world while grieving for the loss of your earthly presence. Praying peace and comfort for Sib, Nick and family.

May 02, 2022

Thank you Sib and Nick for letting me be part of you and Jesse’s life for the past 30 years and letting me be part of your lives together.  I enjoyed helping Jesse over 35 years as one of his aides.  Jesse was such an inspiration to me with his wonderful attitude.  I will surely miss him dearly. I love you guys!

May 02, 2022

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jesse, even if only seeing him in passing around the office. He was always in a positive mood, friendly, and so helpful. He will certainly be missed. Sincerest of condolences to his family and friends. 

Services
Saturday, May 14, 2022
3:00 PM
Manor Church
530 Central Manor Road
Lancaster, PA 17603
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Send Flowers Online

Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our six funeral homes in Lancaster County makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Downtown Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz, PA
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg, PA
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street, PA
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info