Charles A. Kathan

Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather

Charles Kathan of Prospect passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023 at his home. Charlie was born July 26, 1933 to the late Arthur Warner Kathan, Sr. and Emma Irene (Boardman) Kathan, M.D.  For more than 63 years he was the beloved husband of Shirley (Fuller) Kathan, who predeceased him in 2021.

Charlie was born in New Haven and raised in Prospect.  He graduated from Crosby High School in Waterbury, and earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Haven.  After college, Charlie served in the U.S. Army, including a tour of duty in Korea.  When he returned, he married his sweetheart Shirley, and he and his father, who was a carpenter, built the family home.

Charlie spent his career with Pratt & Whitney, starting as an aircraft draftsman and rising to group supervisor.  He enjoyed taking his family on vacations throughout New England, appreciating the mountains and spectacular scenery.  Charlie was a longtime member of the Prospect Congregational Church, where he sang with the choir for many years.  He loved his children and grandchildren very much and was so proud of their accomplishments. 

He is survived by his son Stephen Kathan and wife Julia, of Wyckoff, New Jersey; daughter Kathy Altemose and husband Gary, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and granddaughters Sarah Kathan of Charleston, South Carolina, and Alison Purvis, husband Abe and Charlie’s great-grandson, Cameron Stephen Purvis, of Greenwood, Indiana.  He is also survived by a brother, Boardman Kathan, of Prospect.  Charlie was especially fond of the many family gatherings at Steve and Julia’s New Jersey home.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

In addition to his wife Shirley, Charlie was predeceased by his twin sister Priscilla Kathan, sisters Dorothy Charon, Mae Burke and Elizabeth Cole, and brother Arthur Kathan, Jr.

Funeral services for Charlie will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 11 am at Prospect Congregational Church, 25 Center St., Prospect.  All those planning to attend are asked to meet directly at the church.  Burial with military honors will immediately follow at Prospect Cemetery.  Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Kathan family with the arrangements. You are invited to share your favorite photos, memories and words of comfort on this website on Charlie's Tribute Wall.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the charity of your choice.

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