Charles Lee Robertson, 96, of Centreville, Delaware, died peacefully at his home on February 10, 2025. Born in 1928 to Dozie L. and Margaret Adkins Robertson, Charlie grew up in Dover, DE and graduated valedictorian from Dover High School. He went on to study accounting at Beacom College and receive his CPA certification. He was first employed by the Delaware National Guard and then enlisted in the Reserves, completing his tenure as a First Lieutenant.
As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Charlie was greatly respected for his knowledge and expertise. In 1955, he became the first partner to Frank A. Gunnip (and Company) and handled many well-known Delaware businesses. Most notable was his relationship with Bill and Vieve Gore, founders of W.L. Gore and Associates. This partnership proved to be invaluable to the Gore Enterprise as well as to the Gore family. In 1959, the year W.L. Gore was incorporated, Charlie was appointed to their Board of Directors, on which he served for 58 years until his retirement in 2017. He played a key role in establishing Gore’s foreign entities, and most years, that included travel to facilities around the world, particularly Flagstaff, Arizona, Hong Kong and the UK. He was a trusted advisor and financial planner.
At the age of 31, Charlie and family moved to a lovely, secluded property in Glasgow, DE where they were finally able to accommodate horses (Bobbie’s lifelong passion), and the endless influx of stray cats and dogs. Charlie proved to be a capable handyman as many weekends were spent working on the barn, building jumps, or erecting fence. They moved to their current home in Centreville in 1985.
Charlie was an avid reader and enjoyed sports - particularly baseball, tennis and racquet ball. He served as Little League coach to the boys and came full circle with his grandson Jeremy, attending every game and keeping stats. He played racquetball during the height of its popularity and could be seen at the Kirkwood Fitness Club commanding his opponents with his famous slice and spin. He also enjoyed social gatherings with family and friends at the beach house in Rehoboth.
Charlie and his wife Bobbie left an indelible mark on animal welfare. Elderly dogs that were overlooked at the shelters often made their way to the Robertson household to spend their final months or years in a loving and caring home. And while their contributions extended to various organizations, the primary beneficiary of their philanthropy was Faithful Friends Animal Society. There, one will find the “Barbara Pyle Robertson Dog Lifesaving Wing” along with an outdoor “Meet and Greet” area for dogs, in memory of Bobbie.
The family will be forever grateful to Pat Carr, Charlie’s full-time caregiver of the past three years. Pat demonstrated nothing but kindness, patience and respect during their time together. It is believed that Charlie lived such a long life, in part, due to the special relationship between them.
Charlie was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Barbara Pyle Robertson, his son Dana Lee Robertson and sister Frances Robertson Graham. He is survived by two sons, Kerry Lee Robertson, Randall Pyle Robertson (Danielle) and daughter Lynn Robertson Bishop; five grandchildren: Reed Charles Robertson, Alesha Marie Robertson, Morgan Michelle Robertson, Jeremy Robertson Bishop and Alexandra Pyle Bishop and four great grandchildren.
At Mr. Robertson’s request there will be no service. Interment will be private.
Contributions may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Society 165 Airport Road - New Castle, DE 19720
302-792-7387
