Charles J. Sickels

Charles J. Sickels "Chickie", age 48, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025 with his family by his side. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 30, 1976.

Chickie is the beloved husband of Andrea Sickels (nee Gorland). Devoted father of Gabrielle Sickels, Anthony DeFranco Jr. (Briana), Alissa DeFranco, and Emily Sickels (Devin). Loving Pop-Pop of Ivan. Cherished son of Charles J. Sickels Jr. "Chick" and the late Linda A. Mason Sickels. Dear brother of Cheryl Sickels and brother-in-law of Michele O'Shea (Bill), Stacy Stanley (Jay), and Jamie McGovern (Mike). Loving uncle of Monica (Vincent), Anthony (Danielle), William, Michael, Molly, and great uncle of Layla. Sadly missed by his fur baby Harley and his aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

In the word's of Chickie's wife, Andrea...."A husband is your love, your happiness, your best friend, your strength, and your peace. Chickie was all of that and so much more to me—truly one of the best decisions of my life. No matter how many times I told him I loved him, it was never enough—I always loved him even more than that.

Chickie was a kind and gentle soul, one of life’s greatest treasures. He gave me some of the best years of my life, and yes, like any real love story, there were some hard ones too—but nobody’s perfect. Through it all, his love never wavered.

He was an incredible father and an even better Pop Pop. Our grandson Ivan will grow up surrounded by stories of just how amazing his Pop Pop truly was. Chickie had a heart that gave endlessly to his family, and his memory will live on in every smile and every shared story.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, Chickie stood by me as my rock and advocate. I believe he was more nervous and scared than I was, but he never showed it—he stayed strong for me. He also became my nurse after each of my six surgeries, and in my eyes (and in his own words to the home care nurses), he was the best—and best-looking—nurse I ever had.

Just a year ago, we were in Fort Lauderdale celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary, a little late due to surgeries, but it ended up being one of the best times of our lives. I’m so grateful we got that time together—because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

Chickie lived a life filled with love, laughter, and purpose. He was my everything—my love, my partner, my greatest blessing—and his absence leaves a space that can never be filled. But the love he gave us will never fade."

He was deeply loved and will be missed beyond measure. We take comfort that he is being reunited with his mom and his best buddy, Russell. 

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Saturday June 28, 2025 from 8:30-10:15am in St. Anne Church (lower) 2328 East Lehigh Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19125 followed by his funeral mass at 10:30am. Interment to follow in New Cathedral Cemetery. 

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