Charles R. Maurer Sr.

Charles R. Maurer Sr., 89, a lifelong resident of Moosic, passed away Sunday morning surrounded by family in the same house in which he was born. He is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Jackson Maurer, with whom he celebrated 68 amazing years of marriage on Feb. 25.

Born on May 2, 1929, Charles was the son of the late Russell and Helen Gill Maurer. After attending the former St. Cecelia's, he began working at the age of 14 alongside his father and grandfather at the Dupont Powder Mill. He then worked at the Sauquoit Silk Mill in Scranton before taking a position with Riverside School District as a bus driver and ultimately retiring as the head of maintenance.

A life member of the Moosic Hose Company, Charles began his tenure as fire company chief in 1954 and held the longest-running tenure in the commonwealth. He was acknowledged for having volunteered for 1,000 ambulance calls and awarded a golden badge.

He was also a faithful member of Queen of the Apostles Parish in Avoca.

An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting, particularly with his hound dogs, and working outdoors. He loved sports, including wrestling, boxing and being a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan. He also had a love of Campbell Soup memorabilia, garden trinkets and outdoor decorations that created spectacular displays, especially at Christmastime. He was known as the "Mayor of Park Street" and for his love of sweets. These and countless other memories will never be forgotten.

Above all else, he loved his family. "Pa" will forever be missed.

He is also survived by his loving son, Charles R. Maurer Jr. and wife, Marion, of Moosic; and daughters, Virginia Hargrove, of Moosic; and Doris Keating-Welenc, of Scranton; a sister, Alma Hunter, of Moosic; eight grandchildren, Marion Lynn, Virginia; and Ashley Maurer; Russell Hargrove and wife, Shannon; Ryan Hargrove and wife, Krystal; Rachel Marable and husband, Clint; and twins, Sean and Amber Welenc; six great-grandchildren, Kayla Reagan, Ellie Ana and Emmalyn Marable, Giovanni Cintron, and Charlie and Asher Hargrove; many nieces and nephews.

His family would like to thank the staff at Geisinger Community Medical Center ICU and the fourth-floor unit and also Allied Services, including Outpatient Hospice, for the tremendous care, compassion and kindness given to Charles and his family. They're forever grateful.

Funeral services will begin Thursday at 9:15 a.m. from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Queen of the Apostles, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca, to be celebrated by the Rev. Philip J. Sladicka, pastor. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Old Forge.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Please visit the funeral home website for directions or to leave an online condolence.