Charles Walter McDaniel

Charles W. McDaniel, 75, long time resident of North East and now Harborcreek, died peacefully on Sunday, February 13, in Erie, Pa. Charles was born May 15, 1935, in Detroit, Mich. to Gertrude (Edgerton) and Leroy McDaniel. He was preceded in death by his brothers, James E. McDaniel and John R. McDaniel. He is survived by a sister, Catherine Smith of Chattanooga, Tenn., and sisters-in-law, Patricia McDaniel of Cochranton, Pa. and Tucson, Ariz., and Judy McDaniel of Summerville, Pa. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Charlie is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 46 years; children Sheila, husband Steve Henry and son Charlie of El Segundo, Calif., Tim and wife Michelle McDaniel of Hartland, Wis., Colleen and husband David Bahm and children Sarah and David of North East, Pa., Maggie and husband Sean Mahoney and children Clare, Quinn, Kathleen and Seamus of Buffalo, N.Y. Charlie graduated from Dearborn High School in Dearborn, Mich. where he played football and ran track, going to the state track meet for hurdles his senior year. He attended Western Michigan and Michigan State Universities. He enjoyed playing racquetball, squash, and tennis, and was a huge fan of college sports. Charlie was employed as a sales manager at Triangle Manufacturing in Oshkosh, Wis., where he lived for 16 years. In 1977, he started his own manufacturers' rep business covering Eastern Ohio, Western PA, Western New York, and occasional trips to Quebec. He traveled a lot but was always home for his children's school activities. He loved gardening, especially miniature evergreens and perennial flowers. Charlie had rock gardens wherever he lived, planted and lovingly cared for them. His love of flowers is being carried on by his children and grandchildren. Charlie understood the importance of education and generously encouraged his children to pursue their college educations and achieve their dreams. Charlie was the eternal optimist. He survived three different types of cancer and more recently faced other health issues with tremendous determination and a fighting spirit which he brought to all things. His love for his wife and family were deep and unconditional and he relished having the whole family together--a chance to beat his sons-in-law at cribbage, read to his grandchildren, and enjoy a house filled with love and delicious food. Charlie and his wife, Marilyn, volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank for nearly two decades. He loved his fruit trees, peaches, and especially nectarines. He was pleased when he could donate the surplus fruit to Second Harvest Food Bank or the North East Food Pantry. He also volunteered at the VA, doing filing in the cardiac unit. Last year Charlie established the Pay It Forward Fund at the Erie Community Foundation to help repay student loans for young people committed to remaining in our local community. This is one of the ways Charlie combined his love of learning with belief in being a good citizen. Friends will be received at the W. Tad Bowers Funeral Home, 92 S. Lake St., North East, Pa. on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. To send condolences, please visit www.bowersfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pay It Forward Fund at the Erie Community Foundation, 459 W Sixth St. Erie, PA 16507, http://eriecommunityfoundation.org/donate-today/?organization_id=157 or to McCord Memorial Library, 32 W. Main St., North East, PA 16428.