Photo courtesy of Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. - Schnecksville
Schnecksville, Pennsylvania
Dec 24, 1952 – Mar 7, 2025
Dr. Charles E. “Chuck” Strasbaugh, Jr., 72, of Bethlehem, passed away Friday, March 7, 2025, at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY. He was the husband of Lorraine “Lorrie” (Paton) Strasbaugh to whom he was married 40 years. Born in Lancaster, December 24, 1952, Chuck was the son of the late Charles E. Strasbaugh, Sr. and Ruth (Strassburger) Strasbaugh. He was a graduate of Ephrata Area High School in 1970, Ursinus College in 1975, Princeton Theological Seminary in 1978, and earned his Doctorate from McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Strasbaugh was ordained in 1978 by Lancaster UCC Association. His ministry began at Union UCC, Neffs as Associate Pastor from 1978 – 1980, Pastor of Forks UCC, Stockertown from 1980- 1988, Senior Pastor of Christ’s Reformed Church, UCC, Hagerstown, MD from 1988 – 1994, and Senior Pastor Salem UCC, Allentown from 1994 – 2000. In March of 2001, he ended his ministerial standing to pursue another vocation, teaching. Dr. Strasbaugh taught German and Theology at Notre Dame High School in Bethlehem and Central Catholic High School in Allentown for 18 years before retiring.
Survivors: In addition to his loving wife, Lorrie; children, Jessie P.S. Fry and her husband, Andy of Ithaca, NY; Charles E. “Ned” Strasbaugh III of Phoenixville; sister, Cheryl Neubert of Harleysville.
Service: A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held at 11:00 am. Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville. Family and friends may pay their respects from 10:00 am. – 11:00 am. prior to the service. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Jeffrey Thomas Stroke Shield Foundation c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.
Read MoreSo sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. I taught with him for years at Notre Dame High School. He was a great friend and teacher. I will keep him and his family in my prayers. RIP
Leona Myles
April 05, 2025 | PA | Friend
Dr Strasbaugh was a kind and passionate teacher. I am lucky to have been one of his students in high school. I will always have another guardian angel looking down on me each and every day.
Colleen Boyle
April 05, 2025 | Orefield, PA | Student
Dr. Strasbaugh was such a kind and passionate teacher and I'm lucky to have been his student. The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost has a special place in my heart and always will, thanks to him.
April Foley
March 25, 2025 | Allentown, PA | Student
I'm saddened to learn of Chuck's passing. I worked with him at ND. He was a kind, intelligent colleague. Offering healing prayers to his family and friends. May he RIP
Pamela Ann Buzzy
March 24, 2025 | Work
So sorry to hear of Chuck´s passing. I worked with him for years at Notre Dame HS. Two of my children were students in his honors theology class. Chuck was a genuinely giving person. My condolences to his family. God speed Chuck
Debbie Dolan
March 24, 2025 | Work
Chuck was our pastor at Forks UCC & I recently had the opportunity to reconnect with him and Lorrie. What a nice time we had. Was shocked to hear of his passing & my thoughts & prayers go out to Lorrie & Family.
Sandy (Dewalt) Schaadt
March 24, 2025 | Nazareth, PA | Friend
I sang with Chuck in the Lehigh Valley Chorale - our conversations were always heartfelt and I looked forward to them each week. You are missed.
Peter Godshalk
March 24, 2025 | Phillipsburg, NJ | Friend
Like many others in our family, Chuck found a higher purpose in life in serving others. He was a scholar and a man of principle who followed his convictions. He will be missed by everyone that was privileged to know him.
Wayne Strasbaugh
March 22, 2025 | Philadelphia, PA | Family
He was a fantastic educator and I was privileged to have a class with him in high school. He will be missed
Craig Peoples
March 21, 2025 | Student
