Charles Lee Gwin

September 25, 2013

Chief Petty Officer Charles L. Gwin, U.S. Navy Retired, 71, of Cressona, died Wednesday at St. Joseph Medical Center, Reading.

Born Nov. 11, 1941, in Lowrys, S.C., he was a son of the late Alfred C. and Annie M. Dallas Gwin.

He was a 1959 graduate of the former Saint Clair Area High School.

He proudly served his country for more than 20 years, serving on various Navy ships and shore duty commands. Chuck participated in the Quarantine of Cuba and was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving two tours, 1967 and 1968 during the TET offensive.

His awards include the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Awards (Gold), Combat Action Ribbon (6 Stars), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Joint Service Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, MACV Certificate for Achievement signed by Gen. Westmoreland for Vietnam service and many letters of commendation and appreciation which are too numerous to list.

Chuck was a retiree of the former ALCOA, Cressona. He was a long time member of Mountain Valley Golf Course and Tuesday Senior Golf League.

He was of the Protestant faith.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Spinelli, and twin sister, Barbara Elson.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa Kuzio Gwin. The couple celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary Sept. 9. He is also survived by sons, Charles and wife, Sarah, Oahu, Hawaii, Michael and wife, Renata, Schuylkill Haven, Richard and fiancee, Kimberly Tobias, Schuylkill Haven, and Robert, Cressona; grandchildren, Joseph, Schuylkill Haven, and Ciara, Oahu; great-grandchildren, Ezekial and Aulani, Oahu; siblings, Allen and wife, Julie, Shenandoah Heights, Betty Galley and husband, Joseph, and Harry and wife, Michelle, both of Port Carbon; cousins, nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home, 26 Chestnut St., Cressona. A Celebration of Life funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Nelson Reppert officiating. If so desired, donations in Chuck's memory may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38705 or Bethany Christian Fellowship Church, Front Street, Cressona, PA 17929. Interment will be held at a later date at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. To extend online condolences, visit www.gsesfuneralhomes.com. Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona, has been entrusted with arrangements, with cremation services provided by Riverside Cremation Services LLC, Schuylkill Haven.