Charles A. "Big Charlie" Hewlett

CHARLES A. “BIG CHARLIE” HEWLETT Charles Anthony Hewlett passed away on Memorial Day weekend at the age of 81, a fitting ending for an American patriot that was a veteran of two branches of the military and a vital contributor to the well-being of our community. What a ride his life was! He was born on Bourbon Street and then grew up on Bayou St. John at Dumaine Street, a true son of New Orleans. “Big Charlie” was quick with a lengthy list of jokes and stories, and always related a ‘joke of the day’. He was a really big guy with a huge heart to match and was loved and respected by everyone that was lucky enough to know him. Charlie graduated from Warren Easton High School, after which he enlisted in The United States Marine Corps. He then enlisted in The United States Navy and rose to the rank of AX, a then-new designation of Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician, stationed in Key West Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his time in the military, he received a degree in Electrical Engineering from LSU…and then Charlie became a “rocket scientist”. He was a Contract Liaison Engineer at The Boeing Corporation, working on the S-1C First Stage booster of the Saturn V Moon Rocket, built at the NASA Michoud Facility. Along the way he developed a few hobbies, including motorcycles, waterskiing, skydiving (with 295 jumps), and his beloved golf, known along the way as “Big Sweet Swingin’ Charlie”. Many happy days were spent on many golf courses with his dearest friends, Ray LeCron, Sr. and Joe Margavio. Charlie was the only child of Ruth Hewlett and Captain Charles H. Hewlett. His father died when Charlie was 9 years old, and for the rest of her life Charlie was a loving, caring, faithful son to his mother. Big C is survived by his second wife, Belinda Comboy Hewlett, her children Jason Comboy (Michelle) and Bethany Brinkman (Mike), and seven grandchildren, Jay, Ryder, Adeline, Elle, Grace, Blaise and Patrick. He is also survived by his first wife, Carol Hewlett and her daughters, Angela Gomon and Deanna Amort. Charlie will be missed by all who knew him, including his faithful friends Kenny Pennington, Jay Pederson, Ray Copeland, and Randy Thornton. Charlie Hewlett leaves behind a lasting legacy in the First Responders’ community. He became an Auxiliary Officer of the New Orleans Police Department in 1964 and dedicated the remainder of his life to Law Enforcement. He established American Police Equipment/A.P.E. Inc., providing uniforms and equipment to agencies all across SE Louisiana. Charlie possessed a vault of knowledge about uniforms and equipment. He was truly a legend in the uniform business, known by manufacturers throughout the country. Police Officers, Sheriff’s Deputies, Firefighters, Emergency Medical and Security Officers were not just customers to him but dedicated hardworking heroes for whom he had the utmost respect, always striving to fulfill their needs. Of particular note are the thousands of officers on the street today wearing Body Armor obtained through Charles Hewlett and American Police Equipment. After the levee failures following Hurricane Katrina, the business was flooded and totally destroyed, but Charlie and Belinda felt it was their civic duty, and just the right thing to do, to rebuild the business, literally from the cement floor and studs. He knew how important it was in the city’s rebuilding process to support and service the First Responders. Big Charlie was a big man who loved to laugh, loved to excel, and loved the life he lived. So be a little sad, but not too sad, and maybe re-tell a joke or funny story about this truly good man, Charles “Big Charlie” Hewlett. Thanks to Charlie’s caregivers Josh Woods and John Walker, and to all the dedicated employees at A.P.E., Inc. Also thank you to the 3rd District Volunteer Fire Department for their frequent and patient assistance. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service at L. A. Muhleisen and Son Funeral Home, 2607 Williams Blvd., Kenner on Friday, July 23, 2021. The Memorial Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the Memorial Service to immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local police, sheriff, or fire department in Charlie’s name. Semper Fi!

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Charles A. "Big Charlie" Hewlett

May 9, 1940 - May 30, 2021