CONNEAUT — Charles W. Distelrath, age 75, died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, at his home.
Chuck was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, on July 22, 1937, the son of Russell H. and Lola (Vasbinder) Distelrath. After high school, Chuck entered the United States Navy in October 1954 during the end of the Korean War. Over the next 21 years, Chuck also served during the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade; two tours of duty in Vietnam; in the Straits of Gibraltar; and in Greece, where his navy vessel sank. His last four years of duty were in Philadelphia, Pa., as the Navy's first "Salt & Pepper" recruiting team.
Chuck returned to Conneaut and became a licensed boiler Inspector and worked with Buckeye Insurance and Hartford Insurance as a boiler inspector. Chuck worked at the Lyon’s Den Restaurant, as their cook. He later retired from the City of Conneaut after 14 years of service, as the custodian and maintenance Technician for City Hall.
He was a member of St. Mary/ St. Frances Cabrini Parish and donated many, many hours in the kitchen at church for the annual Lenten Fish Dinners and the Parish Festivals over 35 years. He was a member and past Post Commander of the local V.F.W. Post; member of the American Legion Cowle Post 151; and former Boy Scout Leader/Treasurer in Philadelphia.
Chuck loved the outdoors, hunting, camping and fishing. He also enjoyed golfing; Friday afternoons with his friends video bowling; and taking care of his large garden. He especially enjoyed yearly vacations with his entire family, and was known for his colorful whistling and his extreme sense of humor and wit. Chuck loved to cook in his kitchen at home, and especially making soups.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Shirley Warren and Loretta Jones; and two brothers, Arthur Distelrath and Fred Distelrath.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Barbara (Williamson) Distelrath, whom he married Oct. 19, 1960; sons, Charles R. and Debbie Distelrath of Virginia Beach, Va., and David Distelrath of Conneaut; daughters, Denise Webster of Williamsburg, Va., Kimberly and Scott Kovarik of Willoughby, Ohio, and Trista and Roger Allen of Conneaut; 20 grandchildren, Christina and Branden Prince, Chuck Distelrath Smith, Brittany and Dan Lacy, Ryan Distelrath, Ian Distelrath, Megan and Shane Hinson, Katlyn Webster, Sydney Webster, Bobbie Webster, Christopher Webster, Andrew Webster, Jennifer and Matthew Pugh, Devin Tessemer, Jonathan Tessemer, Alexandra Tessemer, Samuel Kovarik, Jared Kovarik, Aaron Kovarik, Kalab Allen and Seth Allen; great-grandchildren, Tyler Pugh, Trinity and Natalie Prince; brother, Michael Julio; sisters, Anna (Viola) Leonard of Ashtabula, Mary and Jerry Eighmy of Conneaut, and Carole and Ed Heath of Winter Haven, Fla.
Calling Hours will be held on Sunday, Sept. 30th, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 581 Harbor St., Conneaut.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 1st, at St. Frances Cabrini Parish, 744 Mill St., Conneaut, with Father Philip Miller as celebrant. Following Mass, the American Legion Honor Squad will conduct Military Services at the Church.
At Chuck’s request, he will be buried at sea from a Navy Destroyer, at a later date with his Love Barbara.
View the obituary and sign the guestbook at www.raisianfuneralhome.com and starbeacon.com
