Charles Hall Williams Sr.

Charles H. Williams Sr.

1929 - 2024

Charles “Charlie” Hall Williams Sr., 94, passed away peacefully at his residence in Collegeville on June 19, 2024, and entered into eternal rest with the sun shining brightly, birds singing and attired in his favorite N.Y. Yankees t-shirt.

He was raised and lived most of his life in Lansford, PA - a town always in his heart where he made a lifetime of cherished memories.

He graduated from Lansford High School in 1947, where he was a scholar and athlete, and then went on to attend West Chester Teachers College, graduating in 1951.

His love of sports and prolific writing skills landed him several jobs as a sportswriter, lastly at the Lansford Evening Record, where he was well known for his column “Charlie’s Corner.”

In 1963, he began his career as an educator teaching history. He also coached football and served as Panther Valley’s athletic director until his retirement 28-plus years later.

He touched the lives of countless students and athletes, helping them in a quiet, humble manner, and always extremely proud of their accomplishments.

During his time as Panther Valley’s athletic director, he received many accolades for his tireless work. He was inducted into the Carbon County Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. He served three terms as the president of the Eastern PA Interscholastic Athletic Conference and served two terms as president of the PIAA Athletic Director’s Association. He also had the honor of receiving the Regional PIAA Athletic Director of the Year Award.

He was a member of the Lansford Baptist Church for many years, and subsequently the First Presbyterian Church, Summit Hill, before moving from the area.

He was a life member of the Masons and last year received his 70th year recognition. He was also a member of the Lansford Fire Company.

Charlie’s greatest accomplishment will always be his love for and commitment to his family; he was a devoted father and grandfather who was always their champion.

He was an avid sports fan and watched “his” teams faithfully - PSU football, N.Y. Giants, Big East and Syracuse basketball, but nothing compared to his passion for the New York Yankees. He was a longtime fan and upon moving to the Philadelphia area in dealing with Phillies fans, his consistent comeback was “Count the World Series flags in Yankee stadium and then we can talk!”

He had a lifelong love and compassion for his dogs. From growing up as a young boy until his passing, he had a faithful companion by his side. His beloved Greyhound, Arnie, was his best buddy for the past six years and is now residing with his family.

He married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor (Sniscak) Williams, in 1947, and they had a deep commitment and many happy years together until her passing in 2003.

He later married Marie (Jones) Williams and they resided together in Palmerton, PA, for 17 years until her passing in 2023. Marie’s five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren embraced him as a part of their family.

Surviving are his two children, Charles Hall Williams Jr. of Bethlehem and Beth Williams Triolo, and her husband, Tom, of Collegeville; and a grandson, Charles Tyler Triolo (always “Ty’ to his G-Dad) of Collegeville.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth, who passed away as a young child, as well as his loving daughter-in-law, Carol Williams.

Service: Memorial service 3 p.m. Sunday, June 30, Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home, 81 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, with the Rev. Marjorie Keiter officiating. Private interment at convenience of family, GAR Cemetery, Summit Hill. The family will receive friends immediately follow the service from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Charles H. Williams Sr. Scholarship Fund, c/o Beth Triolo, 311 Gumbes Rd., Collegeville, PA 19426, or Gentiva Hospice, 1777 Sentry Parkway W., Suite 110, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Online condolences at www.blazoskyfh.com.

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