Charles Joseph Bercher, Jr.

It is with a heavy heart that the Bercher Family announces the passing of Charles (Chuck) Joseph Bercher, Jr. -beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

Chuck was born on March 5, 1934 in the beautiful countryside of Pottsville, Pennsylvania to his parents - Charles Joseph Bercher, Sr. and Anna Marie (Koch) Bercher. The second of four children, he had two sisters- Charlann, the oldest, Carlene, and brother Paul, the youngest.

After graduating high school, he married the love of his life, Helen on July 7, 1956 in her hometown of Branchdale, Pennsylvania at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Three days later, Chuck started his career by enlisting into the U.S. Army and served his country until May 1958. His service included a deployment to South Korea.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Chuck resided in Pottsville with Helen and their first child, Sharon, until 1962, when he was hired by the General Services Administration (GSA) as an Elevator Mechanic in Washington, DC. During his 33 years in this position, he worked in several well known buildings throughout DC including the White House, where one late night he ran into President Ronald Regan who offered thanks for Chuck’s service with jelly beans. In 1965 and 1966 Chuck’s family grew as he and Helen welcomed their second and third child (Pamela and Charles).

Chuck was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Catholic Church (now Christ the King Catholic Church) for over 61 years. His life was centered around his family and his love for them. Chuck enjoyed boating and crabbing. Every summer weekend you could find him out on his boat with his children. He had a green thumb and loved to grow his vegetable garden, especially growing tomatoes. Chuck loved fixing and building things - he was a man that was handy and creative. This trait extended into working on cars, especially old cars. He owned a 1979 Thunderbird and an old F150.

He will be greatly missed by his family.

Chuck is preceded by:

Parents- Charles Joseph Bercher, Sr. and Anna Marie (Koch) Bercher

Sister- Charlann (Bercher) Noel;

He is survived by:

Wife of 66 years- Helen Veronica (Hallis) Bercher

Children- Sharon Ann (Bercher) Johnson (Husband Wayne) of Glen Burnie, Pamela Marie (Bercher) Drocella (Husband Robert) of Pasadena, Charles Douglas Bercher (Alma) of Pasadena

Siblings- Carlene Motley of Reading, Pennsylvania and Paul Bercher of Garland, Texas

5 Grandchildren- Jennifer, Christopher, Christina, Andrew and Stephanie

Family and friends will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, July 12th, 10am, Christ the King Catholic Church at Holy Trinity Parish. Interment Crownsville Maryland Veterans Cemetery.