Charles Sullenberger

PIQUA - Charles E. "Sonny" Sullenberger, 84, of Piqua, passed away at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Upper Valley Medical Center.

He was born July 11, 1941, in Piqua to the late Mabel (White) Foster and his stepfather, Charles "J.R." Foster. He married Doris M. Thiebeau November 30, 1963, in Piqua; and she survives.

Other survivors include four children, Doug (Kathy) Spain of Troy, Tammie Kilgore of Piqua, Bill (Dana) Sullenberger of Connersville, Indiana, Mike (Amanda Wynn) Sullenberger of Piqua; twelve grandchildren, Angela (Carlos Llamas) Spain, Doug (Karen) Spain, Matt (Ashley) Spain, Ryan (Molli) Kilgore, Michael (Courtney) Sullenberger, Melanie (Will) Hansen, MacKenzie (Samantha) Sullenberger, Mason (Megan) Sullenberger, Shelbi (Joe) Blake, Jesica Hole, Cassidy (Mike) Haney, Keegan Wynn; 24 great grandchildren; and a sister, Sherry (Denny) Sullenberger of Chillicothe. He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard "Dick" Sullenberger; and a sister, Shirley Wright.

Sonny attended Piqua Central High School before joining the United States Navy where he served proudly and honorably. He worked as a lineman for the City of Piqua for over 30 years before his retirement. He was an avid reader and was known to finish a book in a day. He loved to play golf and visit the casino. Additionally, he was a big football fan and enjoyed cheering on his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns. Most importantly, he loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sonny wasn't just a grandpa to his own family; he was known as grandpa to many neighborhood kids and family friends over the years. He will be deeply missed by his loving family.

A service to honor his life will begin at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2025, at the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home. Burial will be followed at Forest Hill Cemetery where full military honors will be provided by the Veterans Elite Tribute Squad. Visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com.