Charlie was born and raised in Oakville and worked on farms until 1957 when he graduated from Big Spring High School. He moved to Shippensburg in 1958 and worked at Hoffman Mills on the night shift from 1957 until 2002 (45 years). Charlie started working at J. William Barbour Funeral Home in 1965 and continued after Norman Bricker bought the business from 1978 to 1987. Then when Norman bought out the Fogelsanger Funeral Home in 1987, Charlie continued to work there and has been there ever since.
Charlie started his fire service career in 1960, 47 years ago, as a member of a forest crew, later being appointed to a forest fire warden in 1975 to be in charge of suppression and prevention activities. Charlie is also a charter member and on the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Forest Fire Museum Association. Joined the Vigilant Hose Company #1 in 1962 and is still very active as Chaplin, also being a Fire Policeman which he is the president of that organization, and serve on many committees. He has served as Assistant Boro Chief for 14 years, as well as the Assistant Chief of the Vigilant Hose Company #1, and later to serve as Chief for 20 years. In 1987, was named Chief Emeritus of the Vigilant Hose Company #1. He is the Founder and Chairman of the Shippensburg Fire Safety Education Task Force. Over the years, he has received numerous awards including the Barbour award, the Chief’s award, and the President award. Two engines have been dedicated to Charlie.
Charlie has been active in many County, Regional, and State Fire Associations, being past President of Cumberland County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, Cumberland County Chief’s Association, Cumberland Valley Volunteer Fireman’s Association, and Fireman’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania. He is still active on many committees of these organizations.
Charlie is a member of several Tractor and Machinery Associations and Railroad Societies. When not working of doing fire related activities, his hobbies are watching, riding, and reading the history of trains, and collecting Railroad memorabilia. Also, he goes to tractor shows and musters with John Deere being his favorite tractor. He also likes to spend time at Camp Charlie in Horse Valley where he works, relaxes, and hunts.
Charlie was married to Vivian for more than 20 years before her recent passing, and has 2 children and 5 stepchildren. His church affiliation is at the Shippensburg First Church of God.
In 2023, Charlie announced his "unofficial" official retirement from Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc. From doing whatever needed to be done, to driving the hearse, and in recent years, seeing his friendly face greeting everyone at the register book, Charlie’s loyalty and commitment goes unmatched. Most of you who personally know Charlie know that this is not easy for him, and he wanted to let everyone know that you may still occasionally see him sitting next to the register book if he is able. Not only has Charlie given so much of his time to the funeral home, he has volunteered countless hours to the community with enthusiasm. Charlie, thank you for everything you have done for us and for the community.