Charles J. Muchnok

1937 - 2025

Charles J. Muchnok, 88, of Latrobe, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at Loyalhanna Care Center. Charles was born in Little Summit, Fayette County, on May 15, 1937, to Charles and Anna Muchnok. He graduated from Dunbar Township High School in 1955 and continued on to receive a B.A. in Economics in 1959 from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Because his father was born and raised in Kladje, Croatia, the family celebrated many facets of their Croatian heritage. His oldest brother, John Muchnok, had the foresight to encourage Charles to master the native Croatian instrument called the tambura. Through this love of Croatian culture and music, Charles earned a full scholarship to Duquesne University as a performer with the Duquesne University Tamburitzans. During his five years as a Tammie, Charles travelled throughout the United States, performing over 100 shows every year in addition to carrying a full academic schedule. Charles joined the ROTC at Duquesne and graduated as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was assigned to Fort Lee, Virginia, and eventually completed his Army career through the Reserves as company commander in Greensburg. Charles worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 22 years, starting as a social worker at Torrance State Hospital and then as a counselor for the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. Charles then became a co-owner of Mineral Resources Inc., worked in sales for Pitney Bowes, and finally, was elected in 1999 to a six-year term as supervisor in Derry Township, where he was chairman for two years. Charles also taught Junior Tamburitzans in Duquesne, Trafford, Cokeburg, Johnstown, Greensburg, and Latrobe. Charles enjoyed teaching young children how to play the various tambura instruments, along with instilling in them a love and appreciation of the Croatian music and culture. Charles was quite active in the Alumni of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans as a past president and long-time member. Charles was also a lifetime member of the Kingston Vets and Sportsmen's Club. Charles was married to Barbara (Kindl) Muchnok in Holy Family Church in Latrobe, on June 17, 1961, and they were married 64 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Mark C. Muchnok (Trisha) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Kara Rager (Daniel) of Latrobe, and Brad M. Muchnok (Heather) of Latrobe; grandchildren, Nicole Nasuti of Vero Beach, FL, Joseph C. Caruso (Aura) of Melbourne, FL, Lindsay Heidt (Scott) of Brooklyn Park, MN, Jessica Muchnok of Myrtle Beach, Addison Marie Muchnok of Latrobe, and Heather Brinker of Pittsburgh. Charles was also the loving great-grandfather of Cove Yonkers, Niko Nasuti, Nash Nasuti, Landon Heidt, Bella Caruso, and Emma Caruso. He is also survived by a sister, Helen Puzak of Uniontown, PA; and a brother, Daniel (Glady) Muchnok of Gibsonia. Charles was preceded in death by his mother and father, Anna (Bukovac) and Charles C. Muchnok; daughter, Leann Marie Gisvold; brothers, John and Michael Muchnok; sister, Catherine Adams; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his dear cousin, Joseph Mucheck (Kathleen) of Benwood, WV, who lived with the family for over 10 years and was like another brother to Charles and his siblings. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Forbes Regional Hospital and Loyalhanna Care Center for the excellent care that they provided. Family and friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME LLC, 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. Members of the St. Rose Rosary Altar Christian Mothers will recite the Rosary at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, at St. Rose Church. Private interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Latrobe. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com.