Charles S. Hrelec, Sr., 98, of Center Township, passed away on June 10, 2025, after a succession of illnesses during the last few years. Chuck was born to the late Evan and Veronica (Ilic) Hrelec at home in Aliquippa on May 2, 1927. He lived through the Great Depression and had many tales of his antics, survival schemes, and dreaded pumpkin and flour soup dinners. It was this boyhood that shaped his appreciation of delicious foods, his simplicity of living, and his flair as a prankster and jokester.

Chuck dropped out of high school to enlist in the Coast Guard as a Steward’s Mate in World War II. There he became a cook and also furthered his pranking skills. After his honorable discharge, he advanced from local recreational baseball to the Pittsburgh Pirates farm team as a pitcher. Two of his fondest baseball memories were pitching against Whitey Ford and meeting and being photographed with Bill Mazeroski.

Chuck met his future wife, Jean E. Domitrovich, also of Croatian heritage, at the Aliquippa A & P, where he was a meatcutter. Nearly inseparable, they were happily married for 51 years. He later worked at several other grocery stores, retiring from Giant Eagle. He continued to cut meat—processing deer for relatives, friends, and local shops.

A longtime resident of Center Township, Chuck was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Church, SOAR, and 79-year member of ALCRO Lodge. He looked forward to monthly meetings and activities of the Croatian Club. He visited the Motherland 3 times and loved everything Croatian, especially potica and Croatian Day at Kennywood. Chuck enjoyed deer hunting, watching baseball, and baking his gifts of English muffin bread and fruitcake. He was a genuine, loyal, and giving man.

In addition to his beloved wife, Chuck was preceded in death by his devoted daughter, Katrina Kaiser, and cherished brothers, William, John, and George.

His loving children and their spouses who survive him are Cynthia (Dennis) Novotny; Charles S. (Sandra) Hrelec, Jr.; Suzanne (Philip) Knox; Jeanne (Anthony) Ciaccia; and Martina (John) Markowicz; as well as caring son-in-law, Joseph Kaiser; and cherished sister, Caroline McWilliams.

Chuck is also survived by his dear 18 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. His Novotny grandchildren are Katrina, Martina, Aimee, Rebecca, and Dennis; Hrelec grandchildren are Charles, Jason, Candace; Knox grandchildren are Gabriel, Justin, and Amber; Ciaccia grandchildren are Antonio, Veronica, and Joseph; and Markowicz grandchildren are Jessica, Victoria, Angela, and Alexandra. His great-grandchildren are Braylen, Cynthia, Elyse; Charles, Carina; Noah, Jacob, Isaac; Abigail,  Selah, Hadassah; Elena, Henry, Chloe; Cora, Colton; Oliver, Birdie; Franco, Marco, Vera, Enzo; Wade, Rosalyn, Vaughn; Maverick, Vincent; and Geneva and Francesca.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where Prayers will be offered Saturday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Mary Queen of Saints Parish, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions can be made to Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers or Ronald McDonald House.