Charles Thomas

Charles D. Thomas, age 77, of Erie, died on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Millcreek Community Hospital. He was born in Erie on May 16, 1939, son of the late Loretta Struchen Thomas and Edmund “PeeWee” L. Thomas.

Chuck graduated from Academy High School in 1957. While in High School he was a stand out scholar and athlete in football, basketball and track setting records in both high and low hurtles. Chuck worked on Great Lake freighters before entering Edinboro University where he graduated with a degree in education. He moved to Scotch Plains, NJ where he taught High School math. While teaching, he went on to earn Master’s Degrees from Newark State College and Fairleigh Dickinson University and became Director of Computer Services in the Middletown, NJ School District from where he eventually retired. Chuck recently moved back to his hometown of Erie, PA.

Throughout his life Chuck was involved in music. He enjoyed playing guitar, singing in Barbershop choruses, performing with his Barbershop quartets, attending concerts and listening to his favorite music on his stereo equipment. He enjoyed logic puzzles, riding his Harley, traveling, and cycling with friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his companion, Bonnie Gannon.

He is survived by three children, David (Kristal) Thomas of Phillipsburg, NJ, Lisa (Peter) Holzwarth of Luxemburg, WI and Christopher (Melanie) Thomas of Trophy Club, TX, and eight grandchildren, Matthew, Christian, and Patrick Thomas; Emery, Brynn and Burke Holzwarth; Max and Nathaniel Thomas; a sister, Lynn (Herman) Weber of Erie as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial for friends and family will be announced at a later date. Arrangements were handled by the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street.