Edward Charles

Edward R.N. Charles
Edward R.N. Charles, 98, of Whitehall, died Sunday, June 16, 2013, at Lehigh Valley Hospice overlooking the Allentown Fairgrounds. Husband of the late Catherine (Durkin) Charles for 61 years, he was born in Allentown to the late Charlie A. and Amelia (Bishwaty) Charles. He was a 1933 graduate of Allentown High School. Eds prescription for a long life was always, The best way to retire is - dont. Following 45 years as a local automobile dealer, first in Bethlehem and later in Allentown, he retired as President and General Manager of Jack Dankel Chevrolet in 1979. True to his own advice, after being elected to the Board of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society and its Great Allentown Fair in 1961, he continued with the Society more than a half century. From 1975 until 2011, he was annually elected its Chairman of the Boards Executive Committee that oversees the day-to-day operation of the Allentown Fairgrounds, and served as Chairman Emeritus until his death. On October 22, 2012, the Society recognized his dedicated service by naming the south hall of its Agri~Plex exposition center the Ed Charles Exhibition Hall. Throughout his life, Ed volunteered for and served in leadership positions on boards and committees, often during their progressive periods of growth and expansion. His love of community and desire to support and reward youth was evident in his efforts. He served as chairman of the board of trustees of the Allentown Osteopathic Hospital; as president of the Lehigh County Childrens Bureau, the Allentown Motor Acceptance Corporation, the Whitehall Township Chamber of Commerce, the Allentown Auto Dealers, and the Allentown High School Varsity A Club; as vice president of the Whitehall-Coplay School District Authority; and as vice chairman of the Police Athletic League of Allentown. Ed was a charter member and vice president of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the National Foundation and Football Hall of Fame. He also served on the boards of the Honorary First Defenders, the Allentown-Lehigh County Chamber of Commerce, and Lehigh Country Club as its Golf Committee chair. He was instrumental in various fund drives serving as national chairman for Pennsylvania Military College Parents Fund, chairman for St. Elizabeth School Building Fund, and board member for Allentown Hospitals AHEAD drive. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 528, PA Showmens Association, Allentown Citizens Advisory Committee, the Survey Committee for Allentown Community College and Institution, and the Lehigh County Court House Dedication Committee. Among his numerous service awards and accolades, he was especially gratified in 1965 when he received the Paddy Award from Allentowns St. Patricks Day Committee. A decorated runner in state tournaments for Allentown High School, he was named to the 1st and 6th Wards Hall of Fame for Track, became a PIAA Track and Swimming official, was the starter and referee of the Lehigh Valley Youth Olympics for 23 years and was a member of the Allentown School District Athletic Council. He was an avid golfer, playing into his 90s. Ed Charles lived a rich and full life and leaves behind many people, family and friends who adored him. Survivors: Sister, Dolores Beck of Palm Desert, CA; son, E. Donald Charles and wife, Marie, of Johns Creek, GA; daughter, Kathryn Seidick and husband, Michael, of Whitehall; daughter, Bonnie Brosious and husband, Carl, of Whitehall; grandchildren, Nora Montanti, Anne Csencsits, Stephen Charles, Nicholas Charles, Michael Seidick, Lorraine Charles, Edward Seidick, Megan Groller, Justin Brosious, Todd Brosious, and Elizabeth Brosious; great-grandchildren, Adam Csencsits, Kyle Charles, Alex Montanti, Mickey Seidick, Michael Seidick, Emma Charles, Daniel Seidick, Joseph Groller, John Groller, Jacob Seidick, Gracie Brosious, and Evan Seidick. Predeceased by his wife; parents; sister, Eleanor Durkin; brother, E. Thomas Charles; sister, Arlene Jones; grandson, Charles Seidick; and great-grandson, Joshua Seidick. Services: Funeral Mass 10 a.m., Friday, in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, Fullerton Ave. and Pershing Blvd., Whitehall. Call 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, and 8 to 9 a.m., Friday, in the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, 16th and Hamilton Sts., Allentown, www.jsburkholder.com. Interment Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Edwards memory to Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 N. Third St., Philadelphia, PA 19123, Telephone 1-800-DONORS-1.