Charles R. Singman's Obituary
The Right Rev. Charles R Singman, age 65, of Bridgeville, DE, died unexpectedly on Monday, May 23, 2011 at his residence. He was born March 12, 1946 in Baltimore, MD, son of Thomas James and Loretta Margaret (Hayden) Singman of Ocean City, DE.
Rev. Singman lived in Baltimore City until 1954 when his family moved to Towson, MD. He attended Mt. Washington Country School, Calvert Hall College and Towson State University. He served with the Maryland National Guard for 14 years, completing his military service in the Army Reserves retiring as a Major. His civilian career spanned several Government agencies some of which were: The Social Security Administration in Woodlawn, Chief of ADP Selection at DSS-W, The Pentagon and The Agency for International Development - U.S. State Department from which he retired in 1991. Rev. Singman was a member of the St. Andrew's Society, the St. George's Society and past President of the Robert Burns' Society of Annapolis, Military Order of the Mountain Eagle, and a member of Scotland's Clans Hay and Murray. His close ties to Clan Hay in Scotland led to a warm personal relationship with the Earl, The Chief of Clan Hay, and the Countess of Erroll. Rev. Singman acted as the Chief's Bannerman, an honor and distinction both in the USA and in Scotland.
After retirement, Rev. Singman began his preparation for the ministry. He was ordained a Deacon in December 1993 and, in England, was ordained to the priesthood in the Anglican Church. Rev. Singman served as Chancellor and Canon Administrator of the Diocese of the Mid-Central States, TEC before going to England where he became the Assistant Administrator of the Diocese of Lambeth. Illness cut short those duties and he returned to the U.S. Rev. Singman was Department Chaplain, Detachment Chaplain and past Chaplain of American Legion Post 6, Seaford.
Rev. Singman was elected Exalted Ruler of the Seaford Elks Lodge 2458 where he also served in multiple officer positions; he was State Chaplain for the American Legion and Sons of the American Legion, as well as Chaplain of the American Legion Post 6, Seaford; and a member of the Chesapeake Caledonian Pipe and Drum Band. He was also a member and past president of NARFE, Chapter 1992 of western Sussex County; he served on the Board of Directors of the Robert Burns Society of Annapolis; was the former Police Commissioner of Bridgeville; he enjoyed antiquing and living his Scottish heritage; and travelling the world, especially to Scotland.
In addition to his parents, Rev. Singman is survived by his life partner of 36 years, Michael O. Dietz; Michael’s daughter, Christine Dietz (DeCiancio) Thayer of Baltimore, MD; cousins Elizabeth and Eric Mucha of Harrington, DE and their son Flynn whom he loved as a son; numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends; dog Stinkie; cat Paws; and grand-dog Logan.
Friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday, May 27, 2011, 6 PM to 8 PM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws Street, Bridgeville, DE. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2011at 11:00 AM at the funeral home, where friends may visit beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will be private.
Following the Memorial Service, the family invites everyone to join them for food and fellowship at the Elks Lodge #2458, Seaford, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association, 100 West 10th Street, Suite 1002, Wilmington, DE 19801
Please visit Mr. Singman's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com
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