Charles Stone Hardesty died peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford surrounded by family.

Charles was born on March 11, 1949 in Milford, the son of the late Richard B (Dick). Hardesty Sr. and Sara S. Hardesty.

Charles attended Seaford High School, and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a gunner/crew chief Specialist 4 in the 1st Aviation Brigade 52nd Flying Dragons. After retiring from the DuPont Company, he became an owner of Creative Kitchens and Floors Inc. in Seaford with his wife Joan Hardesty, and Mike and Bonnie Griffith. Charles worked as the company’s primary floor covering installer.

Charles loved the outdoors, fishing, football (specifically the New England Patriots), and spending time with family and friends. He was good at whatever he did and excelled in his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Charles leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years (or “a long time” as he would say), Joan and their son, Aaron Cole Hardesty of Seaford. He is also survived by two grandchildren who he adored deeply, Casey Jackson Hardesty and Cameron Stone Hardesty; brother, Mark Hardesty (Lauren) and their son Trevor of Seaford; nieces, Lisa Piascinski (Randy) and their daughter Paige of Townsend, Melissa Jordan (Kyle) and their daughter Cassie and son Matthew of Chesapeake City, Md., and Ashley Nutting (Ben) and their daughters Ava, Olivia, and son Owen of Connecticut; and sisters-in-law, Gloria Burton, and Marion Hardesty, and Rodger Niblet (Nancy), both of Seaford.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard B (Rick). Hardesty Jr. and a daughter, Amy Hardesty.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Christ Lutheran Church, Seaford.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

To leave condolences, visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.