Obituary of Charles Joseph Gesing

Charles Joseph Gesing, 75, of Lakewood, passed away Friday April 3, 2020 in UPMC Hamot Hospital Erie, PA. An area resident since 1980, he was born August 9, 1944 in Oil City, PA the son of the late Anthony and Dominica Lasiewicz Gesing. He was a 1962 graduate of Oil City High School and attended Long Beach City College in Long Beach, CA. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA. Charles was a veteran of the US Navy, serving from 1963 until 1967 on board the USS Valley Forge. From 1980 until his retirement in 2013, he was employed at SKF Aerospace Industries and served as vice president of United Auto Workers Union Local 338. Through his tireless work with the union, Charles was presented the Joseph H. Mason Community Service Award on August 2, 2006. He was currently a board member of Affinity One Federal Credit Union, a past member of the United Way board from 1999 until 2004, and a former Co-President of the SWCS Soccer Boosters. When his sons were growing up, Charles coached their baseball and soccer teams, was involved with Boy Scouts, and also built soccer goals for Packard Field in Lakewood. That dedication to family has carried over to his three grandsons. He loves them dearly and never missed one of their soccer games, wrestling matches, or baseball games. Charles is survived by his wife, Jane Ahlgren Gesing whom he married October 28, 1972; two sons, Benjamin Charles Gesing of Pittsburgh, PA; Joshua James (Amanda) Gesing of Lakewood; three grandsons, Tucker Charles Gesing, Jonas Anthony Gesing, and Calvin James Gesing all of Lakewood; a sister, Patricia (Timothy) Partello of Gansevoort, NY; a sister-in-law, Martha David of Sand Springs, OK; and a niece, Kristine (Dean) Ekeren of Littleton, CO. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Anthony Gesing. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring Street, Jamestown, NY 14701 to support youth soccer programs.