Charles Beach was a generous man who woke up every morning wondering how he could help someone, said his daughter, Charlotte Laterzo.
“He was outgoing, generous and caring,” she said. “He would try to help someone each day.”
Beach, 95, of Valparaiso, died Aug. 13. He began working at Philley Manufacturing Company in 1937 and owned the business from 1951 - 1995. He was involved in many community organizations, and was a Valparaiso City Councilman for three terms from 1960 - 1972.
He was in the medical corps of the Army from 1942-46.
He was preceded in death by Edna Beach, his wife of 37 years, in 1977. He also was preceded in death by Virginia Beach, his wife of 26 years, in 2004.
Laterzo said her father used his faith as a foundation for his life. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, and served the church in many capacities.
He loved to golf, and spent many hours at the Valparaiso Country Club, where he had worked as a caddy.
He also loved to fish, and spent many summers in Minnesota on family fishing trips.
Laterzo said her father took people for what they were, and people felt comfortable around him.
“He was a genuine person, and people felt better for knowing him,” she said. “He had great generosity. He really cared how you felt and what he could do for you. He understood, he listened and he wasn’t judgmental.”
Laterzo considers herself fortunate for having amazing parents.
“I was the luckiest person in the world,” she said. “He was stern, and he made me accountable and responsible. But you knew he really cared.”
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