Charles R. Hontz “Charley”, 69, of Palmyra, went home to his Heavenly Father on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
He was born July 6, 1950, in Oneonta, NY, to the late Russell H. and A. Elizabeth (Hubbard) Hontz. Charley grew up in Union Water Works and graduated in 1968 from Annville-Cleona High School, where he played on the baseball team and the high school’s first varsity football team. Charley attended Messiah College, where he not only graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Behavioral Science but also met his beloved, Patricia (Slabaugh) “Pat”. Charley and Pat were married on May 29, 1971 at Chapel of the Cross United Methodist Church in North Lawrence, OH. In 1976, Charley obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Kent State University. Charley obtained his Master of Education Degree in Training and Development from Penn State University. Charley dedicated his career to the Lord and working with children as a teacher, principal, and coach in Christian schools, and as a MHS houseparent. His life was a model of “He must increase, and I must decrease.” Charley was a member of Hershey Church of the Nazarene. Charley treasured spending time with his family and friends. He loved watching his son’s athletic events and his granddaughter’s gymnastics and track meets. He enjoyed fishing, especially Canada, MN, and NY fishing trips, boating, going to the mountains, playing games, telling and playing jokes, picnics, family reunions, camping, golfing, woodworking, playing baseball, football, and basketball in his younger years, and watching the Steelers and Nittany Lions.
He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered and celebrated by his devoted wife, Pat, of 48 years, his children, Charles, Jr. “CJ” (Anastasia) and Christa, and his granddaughter, Grace. He is also survived by siblings, A. Steven (Susan) Hontz, and Linda D. Hontz; four brothers-in-law (and their spouses); many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins; dear aunts; special friends, Galen (Jill) Moore and family; lifelong friend, Charles (Esther) Greenawalt II; many wonderful relatives; and his faithful feline companion, Annie.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Hershey Church of the Nazarene, 986 E. Governor Road, Hershey, PA on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at 2:30 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m. The inurnment will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hershey Church of the Nazarene, PO Box 502, Hershey, PA 17033 or Teen Challenge, PO Box 98, Rehrersburg, PA 19550.
