Retired NYPD inspector, Marine vet known as ‘American hero,’ dies at 79
Retired NYPD Inspector Charles Wells — an “American hero” who disabled more than 100 bombs over the course of his illustrious career, earning him a Medal of Valor from the police department — has died. He was 79.
Wells, who spent nearly four decades on the force and led the NYPD/FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, died last week and was laid to rest Tuesday in his native Staten Island.
“I was blessed to be married to such a strong and loving husband, father and grandfather,” said his widow, Lois Wells, who was handed the NYPD flag and the US flag at his funeral service.
“He dedicated his life to his family, loved the NYPD and loved his country.”
Several hundred mourners attended Wells’ funeral at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, fondly remembering the decorated US Marine Corps. veteran and well-respected member of New York’s Finest.
“They don’t make them like him anymore – I don’t know what I am going to do,” Lois said between tears as her husband’s casket was placed in the hearse.
“He would’ve loved all the pageantry,” she added with a sad smile, referring to the NYPD helicopter flyover, color guard, the pipe and drum band, bomb truck and explosive-sniffing dogs, as well as US Marine flag bearers at the service.
Wells received the Purple Heart in 1967 when he was wounded in Vietnam.
He then joined the NYPD, serving on the force for 37 years – 13 of which he spent in the Bomb Squad.
After the 9/11 attacks, he was put in charge of the NYPD/FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
He received the Medal of Honor – the department’s highest distinction – and the Medal of Valor for deactivating bombs at police headquarters and the UN, and personally disabled over 100 bombs during his career, saving countless lives.
“Inspector Charles Wells was an NYPD legend and before that he was an American hero,” recently retired Bomb Squad Sgt. Brian Coughlan said. “He inspired hundreds of detectives.”
Wells’ grandson, Andrew, reflected on those heroics as he eulogized his grandfather.
He also depicted Wells as an exceptional grandpa who picked up his grandkids after school and went to all of their sporting events.
Wells was a lifelong fan of the New York Knicks and Yankees, but he slowly switched his rooting interest to his children and grandchildren.
His smiles on the Staten Island ballfields were much bigger than any of his Madison Square Garden and Bronx grins.
He is survived by his three daughters, Kathy, Suzie and Jenny and their husbands and five grandchildren, Andy, Ava, Michael, Kali and Ashley.
- Admin
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