Obituary of Charles Eloshway

Charles Eloshway, 91, of St. Petersburg, FL passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. Chuck was born on March 16, 1921 in Brownsville, PA. He attended Centerville High School in Vestaburg, PA. Chuck moved to St. Petersburg in 1942, attended St. Petersburg Junior college, and was on the medical staff at the U.S. Maritime Station. He served in the United States Army in Persia (Iran) and Rome, Italy during WW II. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Sophia Eloshway, two brothers, John and Eugene Eloshway, and by his first wife, Jean P. Eloshway. Chuck is survived by his wife of 18 years, Frances Eloshway; 2 sons, Edward (Pearl) Eloshway of St. Petersburg and Tim (Melinda) Eloshway of Lawrenceville, GA; 3 step-children, Rebecca (Tom) Gore of Princeton, WV, Karen (Rick) Dodd of St. Petersburg and Jeffrey Powell of Kernersville, NC. He is also survived by 1 brother, William Eloshway of Washington, PA and 4 sisters, Mary Rager and Marge Malanosky of Fredericktown, PA, Elizabeth Tilton and Wilma Pagac of Richeyville, PA as well as 4 grandchildren, Dr. Kristin E. Kidgell, Steven Eloshway, Kerry (Bryan) Marks all of St. Petersburg, & Dena Eloshway of Lawrenceville, GA; 8 step-grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 3 step-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends. Chuck was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and the Emmaus Sunday School Class in Seminole, FL where he sang in the choir for several years. He was a member of the St. Petersburg West Camp of the Gideons International, having served as Secretary of the camp. He was a former charter member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg where he sang in the choir for 45 years and served the church in many positions. He served as the first President of St. Petersburg District Adult Fellowship of the United Methodist Church. Chuck retired with 27 years of service from Bay Pines Veterans Administration Hospital as Supervisor of Hematology. He was Past Post Commander of Seminole VFW Post #9272. Chuck coached Florida Little Major League baseball for 17 years and was a high school sports official for Florida High School Athletic Association. He helped initiate the founding of Jungle Terrace Civic Association and served as President. He was a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary in Gulfport Flotilla 7-16 and served as Public Education and Career Candidate Officer. He was also a member of the Pinellas County Literacy Council where he served as President for two years. Chuck loved to throw a cast net and mended them for friends. He and Frances previously participated in Elderhostel Education and Service programs and served Heifer International as Host Couple twice at Overlook Farm in Rutland, Massachusetts. A Committal Service with full Military Honors will be held Friday, June 8, 2012 at 1:30 PM at Bay Pines National Cemetery. A celebration of Chuck's life will be held Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, with a luncheon following. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Aldersgate United Methodist Church Building Fund, 9530 Starkey Road, Seminole, FL 33777 or the Gideons International.