Charles Marvin Gilman, age 78, of Easton, PA passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2024 in Hackettstown, NJ. Charles was born May 27, 1945 in Saugatuck, MI to the late Charles and Margaret (Hill) Gilman.

Charles proudly served in the United States Navy, where he not only developed his expertise in computer programming but also formed lifelong friendships. These connections led him to a fulfilling career as a dedicated Sr. Technical Representative at Thoroughbred Software, where he worked for an impressive 50 years before retiring. While working in Baltimore, MD Charles met the love of his life Evelyn (Owens) Gilman.
They moved to Long Valley, NJ and raised their family. After becoming empty nesters, they moved to Georgetown, DE and enjoyed “life on the lake”.
Their proximity to Ocean City, MD, gifted them with countless cherished memories, whether strolling hand in hand along the beach or savoring crabcakes and cheese steaks at their favorite spot, The Crabcake Factory.  Their annual family vacation to Ocean City became a much-anticipated tradition. The arrival of their first grandson in 2014 led Charles and Evelyn to Easton, PA, where they spent the last decade, close to their daughters and their growing families. He was a father who adored his daughters and had a gift of anticipating and meeting their needs. He set an exceptionally high standard for their husbands.

Charles was a kind, generous and helpful person who loved to sail and go for long drives. He enjoyed organ music, singing, parades, and car shows. His daughters fondly recall him driving them and their friends to concerts and amusement parks during their younger years. He always wanted to be part of the fun and never said no to ice cream or a funnel cake. Charles loved a good debate and would spend hours discussing a problem and its potential solutions. His organization and cable management was second to none. No wire, cable, or cord was safe around Charles, they were all hidden and perfectly routed through walls and clips.  Charles was always there for his three girls Evelyn, Tracy, and Ashley “Charlie’s Angels”. He truly was a pillar of unwavering support. They take comfort in the knowledge that he is at peace and breathing free.  They know in their hearts he is watching over them until they meet again.

Charles is survived by his devoted wife: Evelyn (Owens) Gilman, his two daughters, Tracy Ballengee and husband David, Ashley Dickinson and husband John-Nelson, a brother, Richard “Rick” Gilman and wife Sandy, a sister, Janice “Jan” Esch and husband Dave, two grandsons, Marshall Ballengee and Benjamin Dickinson.

Respecting Charles’ wishes, he was cremated, and plans are being made for a heartfelt Celebration of Life in his honor. Further details will soon be provided, allowing friends and loved ones to gather together to commemorate his remarkable life and find solace in shared memories. May his gentle soul find eternal peace, and may his memory forever be a source of comfort and inspiration to those who hold him dear.​

A private immediate family viewing was held under the direction of the Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.

Causes close to his heart were Second Harvest Food Bank, the American Red Cross, and the American Lung Association.