Charles Edward Gerner Jr.

Charles E. “Chuck” Gerner Jr., of New Kensington passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 23. He was born January 19, 1943 in Pittsburgh; he was a son of the late Charles E. Sr. and Eleanor Piech Gerner., and was a 1960 Graduate of Connelley Vocational High School in Pittsburgh.

An Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, he served from 1960 to 1964 as a member of the 815th Transportation Squadron Strategic Air Command, attaining the rank of Airman 2nd Class E-3.

A boilermaker for 30 years, he belonged to Local 154 in Pittsburgh, retiring in 2001. He was a member of the American Legion Post 868 of Lower Burrell, and was an avid gardener and beekeeper. He was known as the “bee man” to many friends and neighbors, and also the people he sold honey to. He and his wife enjoyed hiking in many different places throughout the country, including the Appalachian Trail, parts of Newfoundland, Alaska, Aruba, and different parts of Canada.

Survivors include his children, Laurie (Keith) Franco, Charles E. (Kelly) Gerner; siblings, Glen (Betty) Gerner, Gary (Pat) Gerner, Ed (Elaine) Kedzierski, Pam (Mike Pravlik) Baird, Sharon (Don) Wank; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Gerner, in 2011; and sister, Pat Rowsick.
Friends will be received on Monday, January 28 from 9 AM to 12 PM (noon) in the ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington. Burial will follow in Plum Creek Cemetery, Plum Boro with military honors. To send an online condolence, visit www.rossgwalker.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles Edward Gerner Jr., please visit our floral store.