Charles M. "Chuck" Harris, Jr.

Charles M. "Chuck" Harris, Jr., 72, of Cochranville, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Diane Thomas Harris, school sweethearts who married on June 14, 1969 and enjoyed 52 years of marriage. Born in Bryn Mawr, PA he was the son of the late Charles M. Harris and Christine Kirk Harris.

He is also survived, in addition to his wife, by four children; Tina, wife of Ron "Scooter" Christman of Cochranville, Lori, wife of Dereck Lewis of Cochranville, Lisa, wife of Alex Myers of Wrightsville and Michael, husband of Jen Mitman of Cochranville, seven grandchildren; Payton and Nate Lewis, Anika Christman, Bryce and Logan Myers, and Katelyn and Jake Harris. He was preceded in death by twin sons; David Matthew and Daniel Mark Harris and two sisters; Ruth Kauffman and Bonnie Jackson.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer in June of 2018 then it proceeded to spread throughout his body. Chuck never wavered from his faith and endurance and always kept a positive attitude while enduring numerous treatments with chemo, radiation, gamma knife radiation in Philadelphia, Doctor visits, hospital stays for pneumonia, lab work and immunotherapy every three weeks. He looked at each day as a gift from God and was so grateful for each day he woke up to.

Chuck was a Cochranville resident most of his life, he was a 1967 graduate of the Octorara High School. He worked for his father on the family farm in Cochranville for 30 years, then was employed by Chester County Emergency Services as a 911 dispatcher, then platoon supervisor working for 28 years in West Chester. He was also employed by Althouse Transportation driving school bus for the Octorara School District for 50 years.
Chuck enjoyed NASCAR, watching TV and going to many different racetracks. Family time was very important to him and he made many wonderful memories with the kids and grandkids on numerous camping trips. The grandkids were taken for a week every year to different States to explore and have fun. Also, Chuck enjoyed gardening and working outside.

The Cochranville Fire Company was a huge part of his life, joining at age 14 and serving for 58 years. He was a life member and served as Fire Chief, President, Vice President, Chaplain and most recently he served on the Board of Directors, various committees, and also helped at the annual carnival and auction every year. Chuck was also a member of the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association and he served as West Fallowfield's Emergency Management Coordinator. A member of the Cochranville Methodist Church, he most recently attended Wesley Church in Quarryville.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Wesley Church, 1104 Kirkwood Pike, Quarryville, PA 17566 immediately followed by a time of visitation and refreshments at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Cochranville Fire Company, (P.O. Box 307) 3135 Limestone Rd, Cochranville, PA 19330.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com