Charles Frank Rectenwald (-2007)

Charles Rectenwald, known to all as Chuck, passed away peacefully at his home on November 10, 2007 after a brief illness. He was the son of the late Louis and Rose Hamburger Rectenwald. Proceeding him in death were brothers Francis and Norbert Rectenwald, sister Rosemary McCall and great-grandson Brady Polk. He is survived by a sister and sister-in-law. Chuck was born and raised in Erie and often shared his memories of the city as it changed. He attended St. Mary’s School and parish and graduated from East High School in 1935. After high school he became employed by Detroit Steel, which later became Fenestra, Inc., where he worked as a cost accountant in the industrial engineering department. Employed there during World War II and already the father of two young sons, he helped the war effort by making ammunition boxes at Fenestra. His career with the company lasted 43 years.

Chuck participated several times in national American Bowling Congress tournaments and enjoyed the sport for many years. He served as an MYAA umpire when his children were young, teaching them all the love of baseball. He always remained proud of the 30 wins his “boys” had as pitchers at McDowell High School. Being a life long Cleveland Indian fan, he never missed a game and often sat in his yard with a small transistor radio listening closely to every play. He also cheered on the Cleveland Browns. He was an active member of Asbury Senior Citizens Group. Chuck served faithfully as a parishioner and usher at St. Julias Church for many years. Chuck married on November 8, 1941. He recently told that he “knew he would marry his bride the day he saw her!” After raising five children Chuck and his wife enjoyed a long retirement together, traveling to Florida a number of winters and enjoying all of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. After selling their family home to a grandson, they enjoyed the last five years living independently in the Regency at South Shore community where they made many friends and enjoyed numerous activities. On Thursday November 8th they celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary together, along with the birth of their 16th great-grandchild. Chuck Rectenwald is lovingly survived by his wife and their children.

All 13 grandchildren will fondly remember Grandpa for his bike rides in the “lampshade” basket he created for them and how he sent them off to Huxdiboodle! Chuck was also so proud of being Great Grandpa to his 15 great-grandchildren. ...

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Charles Rectenwald, known to all as Chuck, passed away peacefully at his home on November 10, 2007 after a brief illness. He was the son of the late Louis and Rose Hamburger Rectenwald. Proceeding him in death were brothers Francis and Norbert Rectenwald, sister Rosemary McCall and great-grandson Brady Polk. He is survived by a sister and sister-in-law. Chuck was born and raised in Erie and often shared his memories of the city as it changed. He attended St. Mary’s School and parish and graduated from East High School in 1935. After high school he became employed by Detroit Steel, which later became Fenestra, Inc., where he worked as a cost accountant in the industrial engineering department. Employed there during World War II and already the father of two young sons, he helped the war effort by making ammunition boxes at Fenestra. His career with the company lasted 43 years.

Chuck participated several times in national American Bowling Congress tournaments and enjoyed the sport for many years. He served as an MYAA umpire when his children were young, teaching them all the love of baseball. He always remained proud of the 30 wins his “boys” had as pitchers at McDowell High School. Being a life long Cleveland Indian fan, he never missed a game and often sat in his yard with a small transistor radio listening closely to every play. He also cheered on the Cleveland Browns. He was an active member of Asbury Senior Citizens Group. Chuck served faithfully as a parishioner and usher at St. Julias Church for many years. Chuck married on November 8, 1941. He recently told that he “knew he would marry his bride the day he saw her!” After raising five children Chuck and his wife enjoyed a long retirement together, traveling to Florida a number of winters and enjoying all of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. After selling their family home to a grandson, they enjoyed the last five years living independently in the Regency at South Shore community where they made many friends and enjoyed numerous activities. On Thursday November 8th they celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary together, along with the birth of their 16th great-grandchild. Chuck Rectenwald is lovingly survived by his wife and their children.

All 13 grandchildren will fondly remember Grandpa for his bike rides in the “lampshade” basket he created for them and how he sent them off to Huxdiboodle! Chuck was also so proud of being Great Grandpa to his 15 great-grandchildren. Reaching his 90th Birthday, still sharp minded, and willing to fight off any adversity in order to enjoy his wife and family is how we will remember him. Rest Peacefully, Dad. A special thank you to the wonderful love and care given by the Great Lakes Hospice Team and Ann. Your love and guidance were so greatly appreciated. You were our angels. Friends may called on Tuesday November 13th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brugger Home for Funerals, 1595 west 38th and Greengarden Blvd, and attended services there on Wednesday November 14th at 10:15 am followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Julias Church at 11a.m.. Burial followed in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the March of Dimes, Shriner’s Hospital, Great Lakes Hospice or Wayside Presbyterian Church.

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