Charles L Vocelle's Obituary
JUDGE CHARLES L. VOCELLE, 91
LAKELAND - Charles L. Vocelle, age 91, of Lakeland, FL, died due to congestive heart failure on Monday, November 3, 2014. Charles was born September 4, 1923, in St. Mary's, GA. Shortly thereafter, the Vocelle family moved to Vero Beach, FL, where Charles was raised as one of 6 children to one of the founders of Indian River County, FL, Mary S. and James T. Vocelle. Charles served during World War II in the Pacific Theater in the United States Marine Corps from 1943 to 1945. After the war, Charles met his beloved wife, Betty and they married in 1948. Prior to enlisting, Charles attended the University of Florida. After returning from service, Charles graduated from the University of Miami School of Law. Charles was an active member of the Florida Bar Association for 50 years. Charles practiced law in Miami from 1950 to 1960, and then moved his family to Lake City, FL, where he continued to practice law until 1986. Lake City held many wonderful memories for Charles, Betty and family. Charles loved the Florida Gators, spending time with family and friends on the Ichetucknne and Suwanee Rivers and playing bridge. In 1986, he and Betty moved to Lakeland where he served as a Judge of Industrial Claims until 1998. He and Betty made wonderful friends in Lakeland, who shared their love of the church, fellowship, and social gatherings. Charles was very active in civic, political, and charitable organizations. He remained active into his retirement by volunteering and offering his legal expertise with the organizations at the Estates at Carpenter. Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Betty; daughter, Charlene Vocelle of Lakeland and son, Douglas Vocelle of Madison, MS. Charles was preceded in death by his sister Angelique Bednar and two brothers, James T. Vocelle, Junior and Judge Lewis Basil Vocelle. He is survived by 2 sisters, Mary Shettig of Charlottesville, VA, and Margaret Seibert of Houston, TX, 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. Charles also loved and enjoyed his 23 nieces and nephews. A man of strong faith, love of country, impeccably high standards and moral compass, Charles loved and was loved by all whose life he touched.
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