Charles D. "Charlie" Fissel, Sr.

Charles D. “Charlie” Fissel, Sr., 97, formerly of Dauphin, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Thornwald Home, Carlisle, with his son by his side. Born January 26, 1927, in Penbrook, PA, he was the son of the late Paul R. and Mary (Whitman) Fissel.

Charlie was a proud World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Navy Seabees. He was stationed in the Marshall Islands, contributing to the efforts in the Pacific Theater.

Charlie was the last surviving charter member of Rescue Fire Company 37 in Susquehanna Township. He dedicated his younger years to building and expanding the firehouse while holding numerous line and administrative positions, including serving as President.

Charlie had a deep passion for hunting. He cherished the time spent at his hunting camp in Potter County and later enjoyed hunting on the family farm in Clark’s Valley.

Upon retiring from the Federal Government after 30+ years of service, Charlie filled his hours by working at auctions where he liked to find treasures. He often helped at Brad’s Pizza, where he and Brad formed a special friendship. There were multiple bus trips with his wife, Sara Jane, and friends. Charlie loved swimming and exercising at Central Penn Fitness and getting coffee afterwards or meeting the guys at Hardee’s for breakfast. Their home and property were always immaculate—and more than anything, all were welcome. Even in retirement there was not a lot of time for sitting around. 

Charlie had a passion for boating, perhaps a trait carried over from his Navy days. You could often find him on Lake Raystown or crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay with family. 

Charlie was a member of American Legion Post 1001, a Life Member of VFW Post 5750 in Halifax, and he attended Clarks Valley Zion EC Church where you could find him in the kitchen preparing dinners. Annually, it was almost guaranteed he would be volunteering at the Middle Paxton Lions Club Carnival. Where there was food, Charlie could almost always be found. He was an excellent cook, from his famous fried oysters to his delicious chicken corn soup. For his 90th birthday, he asked for spaghetti but “not with the jarred sauce.” Thankfully, he gave a thumbs up to the bolognese sauce that his son and daughter-in-law made. When Charlie went back for seconds, his family always knew what they cooked was a hit. He would never turn down a good steak, seafood, rice pudding, German Chocolate Cake or oatmeal raisin cookies.

Charlie had a playful spirit and loved to tease anyone who fell into his trap. Once you were caught, he would never let you forget it!

Family and community meant everything to him. For years, Charlie and Sara Jane hosted family picnics on summer holidays and helped with numerous community activities. Charlie was a very protective, caring husband. His son, Chuck, was his “little buddy” right up until the end. He met his daughter-in-law, Mary, when she was 17, and he treated her like a daughter. As a grandfather, Rachael and Benjamin were his ultimate pride and joy. Though he had many nieces and nephews, all were special to him in their own way. 

Surviving is his son, Charles D. Fissel, Jr. (Mary Murphy) of Lewisberry, PA; granddaughter and grandson, Rachael M. Fissel (fiancée, Ben Edgar) and Benjamin R. Fissel; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Sara Jane “Janie” (Meyers) Fissel (dcd. 2023); as well as four brothers and four sisters.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 24, at Clark’s Valley Zion EC Church, Dauphin, PA, from 10AM until a memorial service begins at 11AM with Pastor Mike Knapp officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow in the church’s social hall. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Thornwald Home, Carlisle, PA, for their exceptional care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to Rescue Fire Company, 3701 North 6th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.