Born on January 6, 1948, in Carmichael, California, Charles was a gifted student who graduated high school at just 16. He went on to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a degree in biochemistry in 1969 and, more importantly, met the love of his life, Ginny Kathleen Heldebrant (née Levin), with whom he shared a devoted partnership for over five decades.
His academic journey continued at the University of Minnesota, and when his advisor relocated, Charles completed his PhD in biochemistry at the Mayo Clinic, where he was part of the institution’s inaugural doctoral class. He pursued a 1.5-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington before embarking on a distinguished 30-year career at Alpha Therapeutic Corporation. There, he contributed to groundbreaking work in blood plasma therapies, earning 13 patents and helping bring multiple commercial products to market.
After a well-earned “retirement,” Charles continued to lend his expertise to the scientific community—first at the National Genetics Institute/LabCorp, and later as Chief Science Officer at PSC Biotech Corporation, where he guided the FDA approval process for numerous pharmaceuticals and consumer products up until a month before his passing. A dedicated member of the American Chemical Society since 1984, Charles remained a lifelong champion of scientific rigor and innovation.
True to his nature as a scientist and humanitarian, Charles faced his two-year battle with cancer with courage and curiosity, enrolling in a clinical trial to study new therapeutics at the City of Hope. In his final act of generosity, he donated his body to science in hopes of furthering cancer research and helping others in the future.
Charles is survived by his beloved wife Ginny, sons Michael and David, and four cherished grandchildren: Abby, Donar, Bryce, and Tyrus. His legacy lives on through his family and the countless lives improved by his scientific contributions.
