BOYERTOWN — Mayor Lori Carnes described the late Charles Haddad as a true icon in the Boyertown community. Haddad, a longtime resident of Boyertown, died on Dec. 23 at age 87.
“Charles was a great man. We have worked together in our community for many years. I was always impressed with his ideas, his ability to get things done (and done well) and his resourcefulness. Nothing stood in his way,” said Carnes in a statement. “His dedication to his family, God and his church, and Boyertown was endearing and admirable.”
Carnes said there are many features, places and events in Boyertown that are here because of Haddad.
“Our community will be better because of him for years to come,” she said
Haddad was a charter member and past president of Building a Better Boyertown, a Main Street Program.
“He was a driving force for positive change and economic growth in Boyertown,” BaBB Main Street Manager Ellen Martignetti said in a statement. “Everything Charles did was always in the best interest of the Boyertown community and its residents. He gave humbly of himself, never wanting recognition for his efforts. Even while he was ill, he did his best to keep working for the community he loved so dearly.”
Martignetti said that Haddad was a leader in BaBB’s Streetscape Project along Philadelphia and Reading avenues which enhanced the overall aesthetic of downtown Boyertown. The project was completed in 2012.
More than 4,000 volunteer hours and nearly $1 million of federal, state, county and foundation funds went into this main street revitalization project, which included personalized bricks, benches and flowers, as well as the design, construction and placement of 42 Victorian lights, 21 street trees, and five blocks of a brick walkway, according to a 2012 Boyertown Times article.
Haddad and his wife Mary-Lou (married for 62 years before her passing in December 2020), continued the flower planter program which features about 80 planters along the main streets of Boyertown. He and a team of volunteers watered and maintained the planters throughout the spring and summer months over the years, said Martignetti.
“Charles was a role model of philanthropy and a dear friend to me personally,” said Martignetti. “He was the reason that I became involved in Building a Better Boyertown.”
Martignetti had attended a public informational meeting about the Streetscape Project.
“Charles welcomed me at the door, taking the time to explain what a Main Street America program is and Building a Better Boyertown’s role in the community. He took the time to genuinely learn about who I was as well,” she said.
After that meeting, Martignetti volunteered to help plant flowers and pull weeds, which eventually led to serving on the board of directors and now as Main Street Manager of BaBB.
“His energy never ceased to amaze me. He had a panache for getting things done and connecting people together,” said Martignetti. “He will be missed and I am grateful for all he has done for Boyertown.”
Haddad was also a longtime member of the Boyertown Rotary Club, along with his wife Mary-Lou. He previously served as club president. A continual presence at meetings and service events, he was instrumental in several projects to improve Boyertown Community Park, including the development of the Playground for Everyone, the walking trails, the pickleball courts, and Mackey Field.
“Charles never asked people to do things he wasn’t willing to do himself,” Boyertown Rotary Club President Stephanie L. Landis said in a statement.
As recently as last year, Haddad was out picking up trash and pulling weeds alongside his fellow club members during the club’s Rotary Day of Service in Boyertown.
“Charles had a strong presence with a heart for making others, and our community, better,” said Landis. “He led with passion and authority, and encouraged excellence in those around him.”
Landis still remembers when Haddad asked her to co-chair the annual Veterans Salute with him, and eventually take the position over from him.
“I’ll admit, it was a bit intimidating in the beginning. He made very clear the importance of honoring our local veterans and would frequently check in to ensure that plans were up to his standard. I soon realized, however, that it was never about him, but was always about representing Boyertown and those we serve well,” said Landis. “While his standards were unmistakably high, Charles also took the time to express gratitude and approval.”
Concluding, Landis said, “His presence will be irreplaceable, though we will strive to continue to honor his legacy through our service to the community. Charles Haddad was truly one of a kind, and Boyertown is a better place because of his commitment and generous spirit.”
Haddad also was a charter member, past board president and current board member of the State Theatre Preservation Society, a group of community members dedicated to preserving the historic 1912 State Theatre in Boyertown.
Under the guidance of the State Theatre Preservation Society, the State Theatre reopened its doors in 2016 with a new digital screen and sound system.
In this file photo, the late Charles Haddad of the State Theatre Preservation Society, left, celebrates the reopening of the Boyertown State Theatre in 2016. (MediaNews Group file photo)
State Theatre Manager Shannon Shaw said Haddad was a mentor and friend.
“If Boyertown, Pa., had a mission and a vision it would be Charles A. Haddad. There are not many blocks in Boyertown that have not been positively impacted by Charles,” Shaw said in a statement. “When the lights are on at night at the State Theatre, Charles. When you see the flower pots lining the streets, Charles. When you sit on the beautiful benches in town, Charles. Take a stroll in the park or play pickleball, Charles. Building a Better Boyertown, General Spaatz Museum, the list goes on and on.”
Concluding, Shaw said, “His imprint on this town was immeasurable. Charles A. Haddad will be missed and Boyertown was lucky to have his heart.”
Haddad was also a charter board member of the General Carl Spaatz National USAAF Museum. He served in the U.S. Army, both active duty and reserves.
The museum posted on its Facebook page: “The General Spaatz Museum is saddened by the loss of its great leader, mentor and friend, Captain Charles Haddad, U.S. Army (Infantry). Charles was a man of extraordinary moral and physical courage; one of the toughest I have ever known. He will be missed. The photo (posted on the museum page) shows Charles during our Grand Opening on Oct 2, 2021, which without him, would have been impossible. Our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.”
Haddad served on the Pottstown Health and Wellness Foundation and was also a lifelong member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, former president of its Church Council and current volunteer, according to his obituary.
Source: Berkshire mont
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