Charles Joseph Ederer

Charles “Chuck” Joseph Ederer, age 86, passed away in the peace and comfort of his home Wednesday, September 19, 2018 and is now in God's loving embrace. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Emily; two sons, Robert of Albuquerque and Charles of Chicago; beloved grandchildren, Mathew, Leanna, and Alexander; sisters Mimi and Andrea; nieces and nephews; and extended family.

Charles was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1932 of his American parents, Joseph and Margaret Ederer. As a teenager, Charles left Argentina to live in the United States where he lived continuously until his passing. Charles honorably joined the Marines and proudly served in the Korean War. Upon his return to civilian life, he enrolled and graduated from the University of New Mexico, where he met his wife and lifelong partner, Emily Pineda of Albuquerque. Charles was accepted to the prestigious hospital administration graduate program at the University of Minnesota which prepared him for a successful career in healthcare administration. He served as Assistant Administrator at Bernalillo County Medical Center in the 1960s, Administrator of Carrie Tingley Hospital in Truth or Consequences, NM for six years, and was President of the New Mexico Hospital Association.

Charles was recruited to join the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) and, with his wife and children, moved to Miami, Florida where he became Administrator of North Shore Hospital and was later promoted to Director of Latin American Operations and also Western Regional Vice President. With the support of his family, he continued to extend his career with leadership positions in hospital administration until his retirement and subsequent move back to Albuquerque with Emily.

Charles was an avid private pilot, woodworking hobbyist, and golfer. He enjoyed canoeing at Heron Lake, NM, visiting his sons in California and Chicago, and celebrating the achievements of his grandchildren. Charles loved holiday traditions and birthdays and became a passionate home chef to the delight of Emily. In their retirement years together, Charles and Emily traveled to England, Italy, France, and Spain and took routine seasonal trips to Durango, Colorado. The couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with their son Charles and his wife Amy in Chicago. Until recently, Charles steadfastly mowed his lawn, made house improvements, and continued to deepen his appreciation for American and general history.

To know Charles was to know a man of integrity. He was a deeply loyal, giving, and caring son, husband, father, and grandfather. He was a trailblazer and an independent man with strong moral convictions, beliefs, and values centered around his faith, family, and country. A faithful Catholic, he loved his wife, family, children, grandchildren, and the home in the Ridgecrest neighborhood of Albuquerque that he shared with Emily for 32 years. He will be deeply missed and his family takes great comfort in knowing that Charles lived a complete and rewarding life and is now resting in peace with our Lord. Our family is proud to fulfill his request that he be interred at Santa Fe National Cemetery for veterans in Santa Fe, NM. A Memorial Service will be held this Friday, September 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH – University.