Charles Elwood Griffiths, Sr.

Charles Elwood Griffiths, 84, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Thursday, Sept. 3, at his residence surrounded by family.

Born April 18, 1936, in Barnesville, she was a son of the late Marion E. (Heinz) and Ivor Griffiths.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janet (Simpson) Griffiths; son, Charles E. Griffiths Jr. and significant other, Trish Schimpf, of Schuylkill Haven; grandchildren, Carlie A. (Griffiths) and husband, Zachary Polinsky, of Slatington, and Connor E. Griffiths, of Schuylkill Haven; brother-in-law, Jason Simpson, Florida.

Charlie was preceded in death by four sisters, Marion I. Miller, Helen L. Emerich, Mary Jane Shappell and Ethel M. Somers, and a brother, Ivor G. Griffiths. He was the last member of his immediate family.

He graduated from Cressona High School, Class of 1955, and various military schools. He enjoyed supporting SHAHS sports, being outdoors, hunting with his son, spending time with his grandchildren, American history and tracing the family tree.

He retired from the Department of the Army as a civilian technician January 2000 with 36 years of service. His last assignment was as a training specialist with HQ 365th Engineer Battalion, Schuylkill Haven.

He was a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, also serving in Panama and Honduras. He also served a dual career with the active Army and Army Reserve, retiring as chief warrant officer. He was awarded various medals, that include the Army Meritorious Service Medal and Bronze DeFleury Medal.

He was a member of Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, Schuylkill Haven; past commander of Cressona American Legion Post 286; Cressona Masonic Lodge 222; Schuylkill County Club of Reading Consistory, 32 Degree; Schuylkill County Club of Rajah Shrine, Reading; Allentown chapter of Honorary First Defenders; MOAA and NRA. He was a member of National Active and Retired Federal Employees and a service officer for over 10 years for Schuylkill County Chapter 413. He also was a charter member of Granny's Gang Hunting Club, Tioga County, where he served as treasurer for over 15 years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Grace EC Church, 15 Stoyer Drive, Schuylkill Haven, or Cressona Masonic Lodge 222, P.O. Box 122, Cressona. Donations may also be made online to Alzheimer's Association . Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with interment in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, at a later date.

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