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WALKER CHARLES JOSEPH Of Mt. Lebanon, formerly of Brooklyn, NY, passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, May 7, 2014. He was born on January 21, 1930. Beloved son of the late Harold Alexander and Irene Nora (McHugh) Walker; loving brother of Mary VonStamwitz and her husband, Richard, and the late Harold John Walker and his late wife, Margaret; cherished uncle to eight nieces and nephews, Claudia Mals, Mary Walker, John (Donna) Walker, Irene (Edward) Petrarulo, Thomas (Linda) Walker, Joan (Paul) Mackey, Patricia (James) Connolly, and Joseph (Tracy) VonStamwitz. He is also survived by 20 great-nieces and nephews, Michael, Megan, Laura (Shawn) and Sarah Mals, William Walker, Kathryn, Michael and Lauren Petrarulo, Christopher (Yamilka), Caroline and Cameron Walker, Brigid, Paul, Margaret and Kathleen Mackey, Jamie (Joseph) Veltri, Shannon Cole, Caireen (Christopher) Lane, Matthew and Holly VonStamwitz; six great-great-nieces and nephews, Christiana Neveah Walker, Nicolette Leigh and Savanah Giana Cole, Alexa Michelle and Jace Austin Lane, and Jacob James Veltri; loving first cousin of the late Rosemary (Charles) Rorke and Dorothy (Anthony) Sanzone. In addition to being godfather for his many nieces and nephews, he was also the godfather of Michael Sanzone. Charles was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Upon graduation from high school, he worked as a printer and then for the United States Postal Service for many years until his retirement. Charlie was a devoted son. His mother could always depend upon him for groceries, banking, church, and social trips. A vivid memory from the childhood of his Pittsburgh nieces and nephews is waiting for their grandmother and Uncle Charlie to arrive from Brooklyn for a week-long visit. It was a thrill to see them drive up the driveway in his VW Beetle. A week of daily hugs and happy smiles from Uncle Charlie would follow throughout their visit. After Charles' mother died, he soon retired from the U.S. Postal Service and moved to Pittsburgh so he could be closer to his older brother, Harold, and his nieces and nephews and their families. He rarely missed a family party and his nieces and nephews enjoyed his company immensely. "Ode to Uncle Charlie" was written for him and will be forever endeared as the essence of our beloved uncle. Charlie had a keen sense of humor and an Irish twinkle in his eye. Patience, politeness, and always a gentleman was Charles J. Walker. Charlie was an active member of St. Bernard's parish in Mount Lebanon. He was a proud volunteer and enjoyed the fellowship of making the infamous St. Bernard's apple pies. He also loyally volunteered at the St. Winifred's Food Pantry. Charlie was a passionate reader and went to the Mount Lebanon Public Library several times per week on his daily walks along Washington Road. He read books on history and knew dates and facts at the tip of his tongue. He was an avid fan of professional baseball. Although the New York Mets never left his heart, he loved to follow and discuss the Pittsburgh Pirates, too. Charlie was a faithful Catholic and very generous to many Catholic charitable organizations his entire life. Charlie was very grateful for the compassionate staff of Marian Manor who respectfully and lovingly cared for him during his stay. His patience, kindness, tolerance, meekness, faithfulness, and sense of humor are traits he exemplified. He will be dearly missed and was a remarkable gentleman. Friends will be welcomed at LAUGHLIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 222 Washington Road, Mount Lebanon, SUNDAY 4-6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Bernard Church Monday morning at 11:30. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. www.laughlinfuneralhome.com Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
