Charles J. Heald

| May 8, 2019

Charles J. Heald, a caring, loving and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and longtime Oil City resident died Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio.

Charles, or Chuck as he was commonly known, was born April 25, 1928, in Oil City to the late Clifford and Dorothy Irwin Heald.

During his teen years, he worked at his father’s shop, Vengold Ice Cream. Chuck graduated from Oil City High School in 1947. He then served four years in the U.S. Navy touring the Mediterranean on the destroyer, USS McCord. After the service, he began working at Penelec, from which he retired on April 30, 1988, after 36 years of service.

On April 18, 1952, Chuck’s life changed forever when he married Marjorie “Peg” Ann Hanna. Together, they had four children and enjoyed being with friends and family. After Peg passed away from ALS, Chuck married Mary Lee McCullough on June 30, 1990. The two enjoyed traveling and spending time with their families and friends. Several years after Mary Lee passed away from leukemia, he married Rita Johns Reynolds on April 6, 2003. Together, they lived in Oil City until health issues forced them to be near his daughter, Ruth, in Columbus, Ohio. Rita passed away Jan. 19, 2017.

A dedicated Christian, Chuck was raised a Methodist, yet was a 60-plus year member of First Presbyterian Church, Oil City, where he served as Deacon, Elder, greeter, and many other roles. Chuck enjoyed serving the community. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the O.C.&T. He was also a long serving member of the American Legion Post 32, Oil City.

He is survived by a son, Chuck (Julie) Heald of Durham, North Carolina; three daughters, Kathy (Richard) Gerner of Seneca, South Carolina, Ruth (Chuck) Scott of Westerville, Ohio, and Pam (Gordon) Bigelow of Harvest, Alabama.

Additionally, he is survived by six grandsons, Chris, Tim, Brian, Matt, Eric and Ethan; five great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and John, Mike, and Will McCullough.

Two loving brothers, Robert and Donald Heald, preceded him in death.

Until his final days, Chuck loved his family and was a kind and caring father, who served as a role model for many. He will be greatly missed.

Graveside service with full military honors accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard will be at the Brandon Cemetery Chapel at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 11.

Following the service, there will be a reception at the Holiday Inn celebrating Chuck’s life.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 215 E. Bissell Ave., Oil City, 16301; or ALS Association Western Pennsylvania Chapter, 416 Lincoln Ave., Pittsburgh 15209.

To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com.


Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.

Category: Obituaries