Kulpmont - Charles Francis Mannello passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at the Geisinger Medical Center Monday, November 19, 2018.

Charles came into this world on October 2, 1931, the beloved son of Charles J. Mannello and Pauline DePaulis. He attended St. Mary's Grade School and graduated from Kulpmont High School in 1949, where upon he directly entered the work force, employed in the family owned business of Mannello Brothers Sunoco Station (1937-1990.)

Charles entered into the sacrament of matrimony, wedding the love of his life, Alma Marie Diminick on November 26, 1951. The special religious ceremony was conducted by Monsignor Joseph J.C. Petrovits.  Charles and Alma would have celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on Monday, November 26.

Charles answered the call to service during the Korean War from 1954-54, serving with the 56th Brigade at Fort Toten.

He returned home to work in the family business becoming part owner with his brother Dominic (Mickey). Their business partnership began in 1974 and concluded with his retirement in 1990.

Charles being a devout and faithful follower of Our Lord, became one of the first special ministers, serving under Father Paul Shuda from 1984 to 2015 at the former St. Mary's Parish, now Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church.

He served with loyalty, dedication and diligence as Secretary of the Mount Carmel Area School Board of Directors from 1994 to 2014. He never wavered from his principles of conduct based on honesty, truth and ethical behavior and was proud to have served the students and communities of the Mount Carmel Area School District.  Charles also represented the school district, serving as Secretary of the board of the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit.

Charles was a life and honorary 4th degree Knights' of Columbus and 62 year plus lifelong member, a 62 year plus member of the Kulpmont American Legion, life member of the Kulpmont East End Fire Company, and a ten year plus member of the Kulpmont Sportsmen Club. Also, Charles was a member of the Kulpmont Alumni Association for 31 years, serving in the capacity of Association President for approximately 10 years and a lifetime donor to the American Red Cross.  Charles was always willing and ready to volunteer his time, energies to assist those in need.

Charles was president of the Holy Name Society, where he enjoyed devoting his time in preparing the potato cake batter for the St. Mary's-Holy Angels Annual Parish Picnic and loved singing in the church choir, despite sometimes being off key. Oh well !!!, he was no Pavarotti, but he thought otherwise and that was all that mattered.

In all of his undertakings in life, Charles' word and his handshake were his commitment to deliver on any and all promises he made to others. His middle name was Dependable, one whom you could count on during times of difficulties and hardships.  This can be verified by his "Special Friends" of associates who met daily at the gang's congregating spot located on Chestnut Street, which they named the, "Kulpmont Bench."  It was there that they would engage in conversations and discussions, offering information and opinions regarding any and all subject matters, and enjoying the companionship of good friends and great memories of the past.

Charles spent precious moments and had memorable memories attending all the sporting events of his grandchildren. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and die-hard New York Yankees fan, and even though his father-in-law Pap Diminick, a Boston Red Sox fan, loved to set off fireworks by instigating his son-in-law about the rivalry.  But, in the end, they would always shake hands and agree to call it a draw.

Charles was a believer in the words of wisdom spoken by one of the great American Founder's, Benjamin Franklin. "Early to bed and early to rise, make a man healthy, wealthy and wise."  Charles was a self-disciplined Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, who never wavered from his strict daily routine - breakfast with his companion, Jim McCabe on Saturday's at Palmers, Star Physical Therapy and Church Devotional Services.  Charles was a devout attendee and member of the Men of Malvern Spiritual Retreat since 1984, a place where he engaged in silent conversation to nurturer, restore and recharge his soul and his commitment of service and dedication to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In addition to his wife of 66 years, Alma, Charles is survived by his son, Charles and wife, Susan, grandson Scott and wife Katy/great grandchildren, Jack, Luke and Emma, grandson Jared, and his wife Angela, great grandchildren Jonah, Mia and Lyla.

His daughter, Cynthia Ann, husband Steven Lapotsky, grandchildren Lindsey and her husband Derek Rockwell (soon to arrive great granddaughter) and Derek Steven, and significant other, Carly Morton, along with several nieces and nephews.

His brother, Edward and wife Jeanne of Sinking Springs, his sister Joann and husband George Alexander of Reisterstown, MD; sister-in-law, Mary Mannello, formerly of Kulpmont and sister-in-law, Ann Louise Diminick.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Charles and Pauline, brother Dominic (Mickey) Mannello and brother-in-law, legendary football coach and educator Joseph "Jazz" Diminick.

To our Papa, from his family, "If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again." Author Unknown.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Charles F. Mannello, 87, of Kulpmont - Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 2:00 pm in the Church of the Holy Angles, 855 Scott Street, Kulpmont with Father Andrew Stahmer, officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Kulpmont.  Viewing will be held Saturday from 11:30 am -1:45 pm with transferal prayers at 1:15 pm in the C.J. Lucas Funeral Home, Inc., 1053 Chestnut Street, Kulpmont, C.J. Lucas, Supervisor.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott Street, Kulpmont, PA 17834.  To send condolences to the family please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com