Obituary of Charles E. Hollabaugh

Charles E. Hollabaugh, 82, of Grand Valley, passed away Wednesday morning March 30, 2016 at his residence. Charles was born on May 5, 1933 at Townville, PA, a son of the late Walter and Harriett Sterling Hollabaugh. He was married to Marilyn Chappel who preceded him in death on May 19, 2003. He later married Shirley Rickenbach on Jan. 17, 2015. Charles had attended the former Maple Grove Grade School and was a graduate of Townville High School. He was a veteran having served in the US Army as a combat engineer during the Korean Conflict. He entered the service on April 30, 1953 at Pittsburgh and was honorably discharged on March 22, 1955 at Camp Kilmer, NJ. Charles had been employed as a crane operator at National Forge for 35 years until his retirement in 1996. He was one of the founding fathers of the Grand Valley Volunteer Fire Dept. and Ambulance Service. He served as chief and president of the fire department for 25 years as well as serving as a paramedic with them. He was the first paramedic in Warren County and also was a paramedic instructor. He worked as a paramedic at the Warren General Hospital where he saved many lives. He also was Forest Fire Warden for 50 years. Charles was a member of the Grand Valley United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Tidioute VFW where he served as chaplain and served on the board of directors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, wine making and the outdoors. He was an active member of the Grand Valley community. Charles is survived by his wife Shirley of Grand Valley; a son, Seth Hollabaugh of Corry; a daughter, Janet Felger and husband Keith of Martinez, GA; two grandchildren, Brandon and Erica Felger; a great grandson, Tyler Berner; and numerous nieces, nephews and close friends. In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Joel George Hollabaugh; a brother, Richard “Dick” Hollabaugh and a sister, Bernice Geiger. Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St. Titusville today (Thursday) from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM and attend the funeral service on Friday at 11:00 AM at the Grand Valley United Methodist Church with Rev. Keith Martin officiating. Interment will be in Maultby Cemetery in Grand Valley with full military honors. The family asks that memorials be made to the Grand Valley Volunteer Fire Department Main St. Grand Valley, PA, the Grand Valley United Methodist Church Wood St. Grand Valley, PA 16420 or to Hospice of Warren Co. 2 W Crescent Park, Warren, PA 16365.