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Charles Donabedian

Profile Updated: January 6, 2024
Residing In:
Loveland, OH USA
Spouse/Partner:
Cathleen Gormly Donabedian
Occupation:
Retired but still consulting for my company
Children:
Beth, born 1964, William, born 1967, Christopher, born 1968
Military Service:
US Army four years  
Comments:

Life has treated me and my family well.

After four years of military service, including a tour in Vietnam, I spent most of my life in the investment business, in a variety of roles, including heading up the investment advisor, brokerage firm, and family of mutual funds for a 35 billion dollar company.

I've served on a variety of boards, including public and private companies, among them a fortune 500 company, and in the past few years restricted my board service to not-for-profit organizations that matter to me.

Until the end of 2016 I had my own company, with my youngest son being my partner. I have retired and he is now running the business.

I loved flying, and until a stroke forced me to give it up, I volunteered my time and my plane to Lifeline Pilots, flying patients to distant medical care. I was asked to participate in a video about Lifeline Pilots which is shown above. (the video is out of date...but I couldn't find a way to delete it)

Some time ago I founded The Det 3 Foundation, to support combat units whose duties are similar to those I performed in Vietnam. For several years I served as Chairman of the Green Beret Foundation program in Cincinnati. As of December of 2023 we have raised almost $4,000,000 for that organization,

Perhaps the greatest honor of my life was being be invited to join the board of the US Army War College Foundation, representing Vietnam era veterans. I served as Chairman of the Investment Committee. In 2013 I was appointed to the Executive Committee. I completed the permissible time to serve under the by-laws (six years). After that, I was asked to remain in service as a "Special Advisor" to the board, which I did for an additional two years.

In November 2018 I was very pleased and proud to learn I had been elected to the National Board of The Green Beret Foundation, San Antonio, TX. I served as Chairman of the Executive Committee. I retired from the board as I approached my 80th birthday...I remain an Emeritus member, and continue to speak on behalf of the Foundation,.

I was recently honored by the Secretary of the Army, who recognized me for a lifetime of service to the Army and the troops., which was a big surprise and to be honest, very gratifying.

Cathy Gormly, my childhood sweetheart has shared over 60 years with me, and I am so blessed by her being the anchor in my life. Our 61st anniversary occurs in June, 2024...God willing.

We have had the good fortune to see much of the world, and hope to keep playing golf together, and watching our 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren blossom into terrific people.

Unfortunately our health hasn't been great the past couple of years. Cathy is in stage four Kidney failure, and I have had numerous issues including a third stroke at the end of May, 2020. While these things have slowed us down a bit, we are still keeping active.

Recently, I have had the great joy of reconnecting with Gary Cohen, a classmate who was someone I really was close to in school. Gary is a magnificent person and highly successful fellow classmate. I neglected to mention in the past that I have struck up a friendship with Rich Cefola and his lovely wife Dee. We knew each other in passing during school, but more recently have become close, and get to see each other once or twice a year. Rich is a wonderful fella, and I'm grateful for his friendship. I'm also in touch with Peter Boyles, a great mind and wit, as well as (Pastor) Lew Clark, who had planned to be my roommate in college...unfortunately that didn't work out...same wonderful guy today that he was back then. On occasion we see Sam Miglioretti, who was a pal and a neighbor of Cathy's. I still miss my good buddy Tom Lalor,, who died when he was only 50. A very bright and special man. Saw Sigrid Haag at the reunion...she is still a sweetheart! I know I'm forgetting some folks I've seen...forgive me...I'm in the prime of my senility!

School Story:

I most remember Mrs. Dunham, during my Senior Year ... she was a wonderful lady, and gave lots of sage advice and guidance in her Advance English class.

Lots of terrific classmates.

Charles' Latest Interactions

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Mar
25
Mar 25, 2024 at 6:32 PM

Jane

May God bless you and Tedd,,,

Chuck Donabedian

Charles Donabedian added a comment on his Profile.
Mar
13
Mar 13, 2024 at 3:30 PM
Charles Donabedian posted a message. New comment added.
Feb
19
Feb 19, 2024 at 8:51 AM

Posted on: Feb 16, 2024 at 3:01 PM

Hi Natalie,

Still remember one evening holding hands and talking for hours somewhere in Rosedale...you are someone I remember very fondly. May God bless you and all you love.
Chuck

Feb
16
Feb 16, 2024 at 2:59 PM

HI Linda

It is so kind of you to write. Always thought you were one of the loveliest gals in our class...in all ways...a bright, warm and beautiful lady.

Chuck

Charles Donabedian has a birthday today. New comment added.
Feb 16, 2024 at 11:26 AM

Posted on: Feb 16, 2024 at 4:33 AM

Jan
06
Jan 06, 2024 at 3:23 PM

Hi Mike
You may not remember me, but I read your story and decided to write and wish you well. I understand how hard the war was on some folks. It came back to haunt me after 15 years...I found the bottom of quite a few bottles over about a year, and then by the grace of God got myself sorted out.
I am very happy for you...you found your way to a good life with a wonderful partner...Good luck the rest of the way...Keep close to God...He is always nearby to help.

Chuck Donabedian

Jan 06, 2024 at 2:53 PM
Charles Donabedian posted a message. New comment added.
Jan 06, 2024 at 4:26 PM

Posted on: Jan 06, 2024 at 2:32 PM

John...I'm watching for your nomination for one or both of those prizes...neither would surprise me. I hope you are well and happy
Chuck Donabedian

Charles Donabedian posted a message. New comment added.
Jan
11
Jan 11, 2024 at 3:22 AM

Posted on: Jan 06, 2024 at 2:28 PM

Mort, I hope you have many, many more...you have surely left your mark on our class...You kept us together and added a lot of joy to many people's
lives. I am very grateful to you, HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Chuck

Dec
10
Dec 10, 2023 at 3:35 PM

Mary,

Happy Birthday to one of the loveliest gals I've ever known. I wish you and Tom a wonderful Christmas Season as well.

Chuck

Charles Donabedian posted a message. New comment added.
Dec
01
Dec 01, 2023 at 8:39 PM

Posted on: Dec 01, 2023 at 5:58 PM

Hi LInda,

I confess I did not see your birthday wishes...oops.

It is so kind of you to think of me...I always thought you were one of the truly beautiful girls in our class...and one of the sweetest.

God bless you and your family.

Chuck

Dec 01, 2023 at 5:53 PM

Hi Natalie,

I am so happt for you...it seems life has treated you well...I always thought of you as a truly lovely person. May God bless you and your family this Christmas Season, and always.
Chuck

Oct
17
Oct 17, 2023 at 12:29 PM

It has been a long trail we've travelled, Pete...glad we are both still kicking! Keep punching, my friend.
Chuck

Oct
08
Oct 08, 2023 at 1:23 PM

Miss you Lew...May God bless you and all you love.
Chuck

Aug
03
Aug 03, 2023 at 8:30 PM

Hi Margie...Cathy I were thinking of you...we hope you are well. It has been so long since we have seen you...you were, and I'm sure remain, a lovely person.

God bless you and yours.

Chuck and Cathy Donabedian

Charles Donabedian added a comment on his Profile.
Jul
25
Jul 25, 2023 at 2:50 PM
Charles Donabedian posted a message. New comment added.
Jul
23
Jul 23, 2023 at 2:44 PM

Posted on: Jul 22, 2023 at 9:57 AM

Hello Sig,

I wish you a happy and healthy birthday, and many more in the years ahead.
Chuck

Charles Donabedian posted a message. New comment added.
May
12
May 12, 2023 at 9:31 PM

Posted on: May 11, 2023 at 11:51 AM

Happy Birthday, Sam

Chuck and Cathy

Charles Donabedian has left an In Memory comment for his Profile.
May
05
May 05, 2023 at 4:33 PM

So very sorry to learn of Bill's passing.  He was a kind thoughtful guy.  I am so glad that he and Christine were married...they were close during school and made a lovely couple.  Chris was a truly lovely girl.

Charles Donabedian has a birthday today. New comment added.
Feb 16, 2023 at 10:59 AM

Posted on: Feb 16, 2023 at 4:33 AM

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Posted: Jan 06, 2015 at 10:04 AM
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Posted: Jan 06, 2015 at 10:01 AM
Posted: Dec 17, 2013 at 1:15 AM
Posted: Dec 17, 2013 at 1:15 AM
Our newest grandchild...Soren Parker Donabedian...he is 19 months old...the oldest grandchild is 23, a graduate of the University of Dallas, and was married in July
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Posted: Jan 06, 2015 at 10:16 AM

LifeLine Pilots

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