Charles R. Sarle

Charles Richard Sarle, 85, died peacefully in his home Friday, November 9, 2012, his wife of 54 years Jennifer R. Sarle by his side. Charles was born in 1927 in Alexandria, VA to Charles F. and Lois D. Sarle. He grew up with a love of nature, hiking, biking, hunting and fishing. At the age of 17 he went out west as part of the US Forest Service program where he worked on the fire control. Charles came back to join the Army, serving his country in the later years of WWII, stationed in Korea.

Mr. Sarle also had a passion for cars and racing. He pursued his education in mechanical engineering. He worked for US Department of Army, developing Military Standard engines at Fort Belvoir. Later he landed a job at Schwitzer Division, in Indianapolis, IN. There he designed turbochargers, in which he acquired 6 patents. His turbochargers powered many of the Indy Car winners in the 1970’s. Charlie had a racing career of his own, joining the Sports Car Club of America in 1953, and was one of the founders of the Lavender Hill Mob, the Washington, DC chapter of the SCCA. He built his own A Sports Racer in the 1960’s, racing it thru the 1970’s into the 1980’s. He also raced in the Formula Ford class.

In 1982 Charlie took early retirement and moved to his farm in Frederick County, where he and his wife began Deer Meadow Vineyard and Winery. For the next 25 years, grapes and wine were the focus of his attention, producing award winning wines. In his retirement, Mr. Sarle also enjoyed skiing and traveling.

Surviving with his wife are daughters, Lisa S. Turner and husband, Jeffrey and Holly Sarle Ensogna and husband, Paul III, both of Winchester, VA, sons, John W. Sarle and Thomas D. Sarle and wife, Mary, both of Winchester, VA, six grandchildren, one great grandchild, and his sister, Patricia A. Daoust of Dearborn, MI.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 13, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 14, at Mt. Hebron Cemetery, with Reverend Ken Patrick officiating.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Sarle may be made to the Adult Care Center, 410 N. Cameron Street, Winchester, VA 22601.

Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.