Charles "Tiff" Nevins

Charles Tiffany Nevins, “Tiff,” age 75, of Rock Hall, MD, passed away on Saturday evening, November 30, 2013, at University of Maryland Shock Trauma Hospital. Affectionately known as Grampy, Flipper, Tarch, Mr. Tiff, Mr. Clean, Sparkle Plenty, Tiff was born April 10, 1938 in Pittsburgh, PA. He was the son of the late Charles T. and Jane Nevins of Narberth, PA. As a child, his family lived in Narberth, PA, Fox Chapel, PA, and Brant Beach, NJ. He spent much of his adolescence and young adulthood in Pittsburgh with his loving grandfather, Methodist minister Joseph D. Piper “Pop-Pop” and his wife, Vella. Tiff went to Ohio Wesleyan College, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, and later attended University of Pennsylvania Business School. In 1964, he married Deborah Jean of Merion, PA, with the ceremony performed by Tiff’s beloved and revered grandfather. He was a consummate leader, beginning at the age of 10, playing a key role in raising his siblings, maintaining his family’s bond. Following his father’s passing, Tiff enlisted in the USMC and attained rank of corporal. He was called back to active duty and served in the Bay Of Pigs conflict in 1965. He later resided in Gladwyne, PA, Avalon, NJ, and Rock Hall, MD, where he settled and raised his family. He worked for Gillis & Moore, Althouse Fuels and McCandless Fuels. Upon purchasing these companies, he assumed the role of President and CEO. During his business career, he served a term as President of the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association. He was fiercely proud of his company, dedicated to its reputation and his pursuit of superior customer service. Tiff had a playful, competitive spirit, and was an avid sportsman. Among his many interests, he loved to scuba dive, deep sea fish, hunt, play squash, tennis, badminton and golf. He was a member of the Cynwyd Club, Philadelphia Country Club, and Chester River Golf Club, each of which were the source of many long lasting friendships. A creative entrepreneur from an early age, Tiff caught sea horses, seine netting in Long Beach Island and sold them to a local pet store. Tiff had a life-long love of wooden boats. As a child, he built a small row boat with his father, which was the first of many wooden boats he built, restored and meticulously maintained. Some of his many boat restorations include a mahogany Chris Craft speed boat (Debonair), a Chris Craft runabout (also Debonair), an antique Trumpy (Tamora), a row boat with his son (Rub-A-Dub), a racing sunfish for his daughter (Survivor), and two Chesapeake Bay fishing boats (Vasa, Lady Lancaster). The man loved varnish! Many lasting memories throughout his life were based around playful use of this beloved “fleet.” He had a generous nature, taking great joy in seeing others enjoying all he could offer and the use of his many “toys” at “Club Nevins.” He displayed enormous pride in teaching his grandchildren and playing with them, watching them grow and develop in their many endeavors. Tiff loved to read, having a focus on history and politics, and had long standing political views which he enjoyed to debate. He had a love of carpentry and ongoing projects around his home, “Merrielands.” He often expressed his lasting love for his wife, saying to his children, “I love your Mummy. She is such a wonderful Mummy. I am so lucky to have your Mummy”. He was a loving companion and partner to his wife of almost 50 years. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Nevins; daughter, Piper Jo Nevins; son, Charles T. Nevins, III, “Chet” his wife Nicole; and three grandchildren, Hope, Charlotte, and Bethany; sister, Suzanne Hofstetter and George Hofstetter; and brother-in-law, Robert Monk. He was pre-deceased by his youngest sibling, Richard Nevins, and sister, Claudia Jo Monk. Services and reception will be held at Saint Paul’s Kent Church, 7579 Sandy Bottom Road, Chestertown, MD 21620 on Friday, December 6, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The National Music Festival at Washington College, P.O. Box 284, Chestertown, MA 21620, info@nationalmusic.us or Diocese of Easton / Camp Agape, 314 North Street, Easton, MD 21601.

Charles "Tiff" Nevins

April 10, 1938 - November 30, 2013