Charles J. Barcelona – Charleroi
Charles J. Barcelona, 83, of Charleroi, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022. Son of the late Jack A. and Ethel Keracik Barcelona, he was born in Charleroi on March 27, 1939. He was preceded in death by his special needs son, Daniel J. Barcelona; his wife, Elvera D. Barcelona; and his brother, Jack Barcelona. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Pamela A. Rodriguez of Morgantown, W.Va. He was blessed with four grandchildren and doubly blessed with a loving relationship with their significant others: Dr. Kate Elizabeth Rodriguez (Dr. Trenton Salk), Abigail Rodriguez-Dailey (Austin Dailey), Sevren Charles Rodriguez (fiancée, Laila Firouzan) and Erica Elyse Rodriguez (partner, Josh Brophy). He is also survived by son-in-law, Everett Rodriguez; brother, Richard Barcelona (Sherry); and his sister-in-law, Carol (the late Jack) Barcelona; and several nieces and nephews. Chuck was a member of the St. Andrew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Charleroi. He graduated from the former California State College, now PennWest California with a bachelor’s degree in education. He taught high school chemistry while completing his Master of Science in chemistry at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Ind., with his wife and kids by his side every step of the way. He was employed as a chemistry professor at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) and had all credits in tow for a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh. Chuck was a jack of all trades, using his alias of “Charlie the Locksmith” for many years and did for family and friends. He was always eager to send a hand to anyone in need and had a smile for everyone. He was an avid member of the Mon Valley Golden Agers. He was an excellent poker player and enjoyed the casino trips with his late wife and his casino friends. Chuck loved to fish and did actually get that big fish (usually Northern Pike) many times on annual family camping trips to Canada. Chuck and his wife, Elvera were a formidable team for any cause. In the 1960s and 1970s, their cause was the lack of special education for special needs children. With other special needs parents, their involvement in PARC and the community grassroots network, they lobbied and promoted the need for special education. They loaded up the kids in the rambler and were off on trips to get this cause noticed in Harrisburg and other locales. Once passed, Chuck continued to be an advocate for his son and all other special needs children through his involvement with St. Anthony’s School for Exceptional Children in Oakmont, Pa., and Allegheny Valley School of Coraopolis. Chuck was a lifelong learner and educator, always encouraging others to do their best. Friends and family will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, at HOGAN-MELENYZER FUNERAL CREMATION SERVICES INC., 226 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, 624 Washington Ave., Charleroi. All guests are asked to meet at the church. Burial will be held privately at Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the Barcelona name to Merakey Allegheny Valley School | ATTN: Development Department, 1996 Ewings Mill Road, Coraopolis, PA 15108.
