Charles E. Vuksta

Charles E. Vuksta, 84, of Hellertown, died Sunday, May 31st. He was the loving husband of the late Evelyn Vuksta who passed away shortly before their 50th wedding anniversary. He was the son of the late Thomas and Anna Kereczman Vuksta.

Charles served in the Pacific Theater during World War II with the 20th Air Force on the Isle on Guam. He graduated from DeForest Electronic School in Chicago and received a BS Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University. He was an accomplished musician and played trumpet with the Jars of Jam in Bethlehem and the Clemson Jungaleers, a 14 piece Big Band.

Charles was a member of 1958 Bethlehem Steel Loop Course and later a victim of Black Friday as described in Strohmeyer's book "Crisis in Bethlehem." He was a member of Hellertown Boro Council and served on the Northampton County and Lehigh-Northampton Joint Planning Commissions for eight years. He was a past member of the Bethlehem Steel Club, MORA club, and past president of the Ss. Peter and Paul Holy Name Society. He was active with youth groups including serving as Cub Master for Ss. Peter and Paul Cub Pack 60, a CYO coach, and Merit Badge counselor for 20 years with the Boy Scouts. He was an avid autograph collector, artist, and a member of the National Woodcarvers Association.

He was a strong advocate for veterans, serving as a member of Post 397 Legion Firing Squad and Bugler. He was the first Commander of Hellertown VFW Post 3094, Commander of the Hellertown American Legion Post 397, selected as an "All State" Commander 1984 and 1992, served on the Legislative Committee for the PA V.F.W., President of the Joint Veterans Council Forks of the Delaware, and was awarded the National Aide de camp with the V.F.W. in 1984, 1987 and 1992.

Charles is survived by his sons, Michael, of Toronto, and Charles Jr. and his partner Marty Johansen, also of Toronto, daughters, Sarine Voltage of San Francisco, and Sandy, wife of Joseph Fimiano of Easton and his grandsons, Nicholas and Matthew. He is also survived by his companion, Julie Hannaford, his brother Thomas, sister Ann Pavlinsky, and was predeceased by brothers, John and Michael.

Services: A Funeral Service will be held, Thursday, 9 a.m. at Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 East Broad St. Bethlehem, followed by an Office of Christian Burial with Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. at Ss. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church 1140 Johnston Dr. Bethlehem. Visitation will be held, Wednesday from 7-9 pm. Interment will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.