Obituaries
Charles Joseph “Charlie” Lavin, age 69, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at UnityPoint Methodist in Peoria.
Charlie was born on December 27, 1953 in Peoria, a son of Thomas Joseph “TJ” and Dorothy Mae (O’Brien) Lavin. He married Mary “Camille” Smarjesse on June 17, 1978 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Camille, their children, Danielle Ann Lavin, Natalie Camille Ray, Nicholas Charles (Alexandria) Lavin, Christopher John Lavin, all of Peoria. He is also survived by grandchildren, Vivienne C. Lavin, Charlotte A. Lavin, Declan C. Lavin, Camden M. Ray and Jaxon C. Ray, siblings, Tom (Glenda) Lavin of Reno, NV, Rich (Colleen) Lavin of Peoria, IL, Mary (Tom) Ryon of Peoria, Barb (Pat) Coyle of Washington, IL, Patti Simmons of Peoria, IL and Doty (Mike) Norman of Peoria, as well as siblings-in-law, Stephen (Cynthia) Smarjesse of Plymouth, MN, Cheryl (Gary) Biltgen of Sanibel, FL, Diane (Steve) Mathis of Springfield, IL, Vincent (Lynn) Smarjesse of Wilmington, NC, Patrick (Jane) Smarjesse of Peoria, IL, and Elizabeth (Andy) Lankton of Carlock, IL.
Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, TJ and Dorothy and Camille’s parents, James George (Helen V. Barbre) Smarjesse, one infant sister-in-law, Cynthia Ann Smarjesse, one infant brother, John Lavin and brother-in-law, Randy Simmons.
Charlie was a graduate of Spalding Institute, Class of ’72 and went on to attend Bradley University and received his Bachelor’s degree in Business. He worked at Prudential for 20 years, before opening his own business, Charles J. Lavin Insurance and Investments, retiring in January, 2020.
Charlie was an avid Notre Dame and St. Louis Cardinals Fan. He volunteered with the Peoria Notre Dame Golf Outing Board and the Paul Rutherford and Jerry Brady Christmas Basket Drive. He coached soccer, baseball and basketball and umpired softball and baseball. He always looked forward to his annual golf trip with his Spalding buddies. Charlie was rarely seen without his Polar Pop, driving down the road with the top down.
Visitation will be from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at St. Philomena Catholic Church. Memorial Mass will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 2, 2023 with a one hour prior visitation also at the Church. Fr. David Richardson will officiate and private burial of ashes will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Yellow Bear Foundation, 6035 Knoxville Ave Suite 204G, Peoria, IL 61614 (yellowbearfoundation.org
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.
Previous Events
Visitation
1
Mar
1000 W. Albany Ave
Peoria, IL 61604
Visitation
2
Mar
1000 W. Albany Ave
Peoria, IL 61604
Memorial Mass
2
Mar
1000 W. Albany Ave
Peoria, IL 61604
