Charles M. Giltner, 97, of Chandler Estates, Pen Argyl, formerly of Stroudsburg, passed away Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at his residence. He was the husband of Rose L. Giltner, the love of his life, who passed on away on September 19, 2021. Charles and Rose celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary on August 12, 2021.
Born in Middleport, PA, February 1, 1924, he was the son of the late Elwood and Mary (Stefanek) Giltner.
Charles was a graduate of Blythe Township High School in New Philadelphia, PA, class of 1941. After graduation, he left his hometown for a job as an apprentice toolmaker at the Martin Aircraft Co. in Middle River, MD. He joined the US Navy in April 1943 and served aboard the USS Humboldt for 27 months doing convoy duty in the North Atlantic. Upon his return from military service, he began his career in Philadelphia, working for several organizations. During this time, he also took night courses at Drexel University, earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1955. From November, 1954 through December, 1969, he worked at the Hunter Spring Co., a division of Ametek. It was during his employment there that he was award two patents for equipment used in NASA’s Gemini program. From December, 1969 until his retirement in February 1986, he worked for McGraw Edison Co. in East Stroudsburg.
Charles was an active member of the community, volunteering at his church, the United Way, Burnley Workshop, and Notre Dame High School in East Stroudsburg. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and was past exalted ruler of the Elks Club in East Stroudsburg. He also served on the boards of directors of the Stroudsburg YMCA and the Stroud Township Sewer Authority; and was a judge of elections in Stroud Township. He was an avid golfer, and with a friend measured golf courses and published yardage booklets for several golf courses in Northeast PA.
He was especially proud of his effort to find his former USS Humboldt shipmates, successfully locating over 60 of them, and arranging annual reunions for fifteen years. He also completed a short self-narrated video of his military career which is preserved in the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.
Charles is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Chryst and her husband John H. of Wind Gap; three grandchildren, Jeffrey Fry and his wife Amy, Cory Chryst, and Jamie Chryst; three great granddaughters, Brilee, Skylar, and Rowyn Fry; three nieces, Marian McManus, Gloria Krajnak, and Margo Oley; a nephew, Philip Adamo; and many great nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Rose, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Benjamin Fry, and a sister, Mary Adamo.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated privately at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Pen Argyl, with internment in St. Elizabeth’s Cemetery. Pen Argyl. The Ruggiero Funeral Home LLC. Pen Argyl is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be offered at www.ruggierofuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be offered either to St. Elizabeth’s Building Fund, 300 W. Babbitt Avenue, Pen Argyl PA 18072; or to Compassionate Care Hospice, 3897 Adler Place, Building C Suite 180, Bethlehem, PA 18017.
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