Charles H. Chalfant, Jr.

Charles H. Chalfant Jr. - Chuck to nearly everyone who knew him, and “Chuckie” to a handful of family members who retained the lifelong privilege of calling him that - lived a life of service, adventure, curiosity, accomplishment, and deep devotion to the people he loved.

Born to Charles H. Chalfant Sr. and Elaine R. Chalfant of Gap, PA, Chuck possessed an extraordinary combination of intelligence, determination, creativity, and curiosity. He was a natural leader and incredibly observant, with an uncanny ability to absorb complex information, understand it, and share what he knew with others.

Chuck proudly served his country in the United States Army and Army National Guard, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class and serving as a Green Beret in the Army Special Forces. His military career took him throughout the world and included service in Germany, Poland, Panama, Iraq and Afghanistan. Among his many decorations and qualifications were the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Special Forces Tab, Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals, and numerous commendations and international parachutist qualifications. His early career in the Army attached him to 4-41 in Garlstedt, Germany. Later, he became part of the 10th group in Ft Carson, Colorado.

After leaving the Army, Chuck continued serving with the DOD. His post-Army career included work as an instructor, Master Intelligence Analyst, and in Special Communications. An accomplished linguist, gifted instructor, and mentor, Chuck loved history, embraced technology, adapted naturally to other cultures, and remained a lifelong learner.

Chuck was a true Renaissance man: warrior, chef, builder, artist, actor, teacher, adventurer, and dreamer. He loved skiing, boating, fishing, travel, musicals, classic rock, history, technology, Disney, and virtually any opportunity to learn or experience something new. His remarkable storehouse of knowledge made him the undisputed family Jeopardy! King, while his considerable artistic ability made challenging him at Pictionary equally unwise.

One of Chuck’s mottos was “See one. Do one. Teach one.” It was more than a saying; it was how he lived.He shared what he knew generously. He taught his children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews to solve problems, try unfamiliar things, and persevere when things became difficult. He believed failure was part of learning and that anything worth doing was worth doing well. His familiar advice included “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time,” “Measure twice, cut once,” and “If you’re gonna do it, do it right the first time!”

He traveled the world and made certain his family experienced adventure with him. Family vacations created memories his children and grandchildren will carry forever. He especially loved Disney, where one rule was non-negotiable: Everyone wore Mickey ears! Even the Green Beret!

His grandchildren knew him as Pop-Pop. They loved his stories and treasured the advice and wisdom he shared so naturally. His children remember a father who set high expectations and could be tough, but whose toughness came from wanting them to become capable, resilient people. He was the person they called for advice, guidance, or simply someone they could trust to tell them what they needed to hear. Chuck made the people he loved feel safe.

Chuck was the beloved husband of Deborah Chalfant of Micco, FL; father of Shawn Nielson (Caroline Rae) of Charleston, SC; Brittany Ntzanis (Sotirios) of Venice, FL; and Benjamin H. Chalfant (Emily Amos) of Belmont, MA. He was Pop-Pop to Keeley Saunders (Dion), Isiah Ntzanis, Kapree Andrews, Kalisti Ntzanis, Theodore Chalfant, and Prudence Chalfant. He is also survived by his sister, Audra Chalfant Matlack (Andrew), Tennessee; nieces and nephews Ethan, Hannah, Jonas, and Katherine; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends whose lives were made richer by knowing him.

Chuck was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Benjamin Chalfant (his son’s namesake), and his grandparents, Charles and Betty Chalfant of Christiana and William and Lillian Renshaw or Gap.

He believed deeply in Christ and believed that death was not the end. His family takes comfort in knowing how strongly he believed he would be reunited with those he loved who had gone before him.

His military decorations testify to his courage. His career testifies to his intelligence and ability. But his greatest legacy lives in the people he taught, led, protected, challenged, fed, encouraged, and loved.

Chuck traveled the world, served his country, jumped from perfectly good airplanes, built things with his hands, cooked extraordinary meals, quoted show tunes, dominated Jeopardy!, wore Mickey ears, and taught generations of his family to meet life with curiosity, courage, humor, and perseverance.

Chuck never did life halfway.

If it was worth doing, it was worth overdoing!

And he did—with everything he had.

Funeral services will take place Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, 810 Newport Avenue, Gap, PA, at 11 a.m. with a time to greet the family from 9:30 until time of service. Interment will be at Glen Run Cemetery in Atglen, PA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization Chuck supported with his whole heart.