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NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Charles Henry Holbrook III, 77, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Masternick Memorial in New Middletown, surrounded by his loving family.
Charles "Chuck" was born May 17, 1949, in Tarentum, Pa., to Charles Henry Holbrook Jr. and Isabella "Elizabeth" Silvestri Holbrook.
In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Jane Elizabeth Irwin Holbrook of Harrisburg, Pa., and her parents, Cecil and Kathryn Diehl Irwin; his companion of seven years, Kathleen "Kathy" Evans of Harrisburg, Pa.; his sister-in-law, Ollie Mae Irwin Cunningham; and his nephew, Carl M. Cunningham of Shannondale, Pa. He was also preceded by several aunts and uncles, with whom he had many cherished memories from childhood through adulthood.
He is survived by his three daughters, Kimberly Holbrook Fletcher, her husband, Andrew and their son Ian of Bel Air, Maryland; Christina Holbrook Lahneman, her husband Thomas, and their daughters Jane and Grace, of Royersford, Pa.; and Sarah Holbrook Ely, her husband, Benjamin, and their children, Eliana, Griffin and Sylvie of Poland; and a sister, Anita McCluer of Gustavus. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Howard (Susie) Irwin, James (Susan) Irwin and Charley Cunningham; and several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Raised in Warren, Chuck was a 1967 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green. He began his teaching career at Warren G. Harding in Warren. After moving to Harrisburg, Pa., he taught in the Central Dauphin School District at Linglestown Jr. High School and Bishop McDevitt High School. He fondly recalled and enjoyed his time as a business education teacher and coached basketball during that time. Following his teaching career, he was an educational advisor for the Pennsylvania State Department of Education until his retirement in 2011.
Chuck enlisted in the ROTC program while at Bowling Green State University and proudly served our country in the 28th Infantry Division of the Pennsylvania State National Guard for 38 years, retiring as a major. He proudly maintained a keystone garden at the Harrisburg Military Post, which he fondly referred to as "the castle."
Chuck was an active member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish throughout his time in Harrisburg, Pa. He served as secretary on the parish council for many years. He later became a Eucharistic minister, serving both the parish and the military as a chaplain's assistant. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.
In his retirement, Chuck continued giving back to his community and lending a helping hand wherever he could. He helped serve meals after funeral Masses at Holy Name of Jesus Parish. He also volunteered with his companion, Kathy, to provide communion and comfort to the sick at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. As a board member for Veterans Outreach in Youngstown, he used his knowledge and experience to help guide their mission to respectfully honor and serve all veterans.
Chuck loved spending time with his children and grandchildren -- especially playing baseball, reading, fishing, kayaking or playing cards. He could always be found tinkering around in his garage or yard, always with a project underway.
Chuck was always ready with open arms to help anyone in need and uplifted others with his positive outlook and quirky sense of humor. He resided in the Harrisburg, Pa. area for over 50 years and never failed to tell others to "Have a quality Keystone Day."
Family and friends are welcomed from 11 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 6150 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg, PA 17112.
(special notice)