Charles Rupert Rehak

Charles Rupert Rehak

Born on April 5, 1933 in Pittsburgh, PA, passed away at the age of  92 on Sunday, May 18, 2025. “Chuck” grew up in a cottage on Werner Grounds in Harmarville with his mother, Mary (Gaertner) Rehak, a housewife, and his father, John A. Rehak, a bricklayer, both originally from the Northside. He was the youngest of three children, following his sister, Anna Marie, and his brother, Jack. Chuck described their neighborhood as lively and filled with kids who often played baseball in a vacant lot. Growing up modestly, he remembered using money sparingly. His family had several dogs, including beagles, weimaraners, and dachshunds. Chuck’s childhood passions included playing baseball and biking, and his favorite childhood gift was a blue bike that Santa left one Christmas morning. His earliest memory was being lifted into a boat from his front door to escape the devastating flood of 1936.

Chuck’s first job was as a caddy at Fox Chapel Golf Club. He considered himself an average student at Aspinwall High School, but he had a fascination with history and was a fierce football player. Because of his sharp eyesight, he earned the nickname “Hawkeye” in high school. Anna Maria’s husband, George, taught him how to drive, and his favorite place to hang out was Erwin's Drug Store on Brilliant Avenue in Aspinwall. Chuck looked forward to the rare treat of riding roller coasters, especially the Racer and Jack Rabbit at Kennywood.

His most memorable world event was the conclusion of World War II in 1945. His most exciting memory was gathering around his family’s first television. His childhood hero was the prizefighter Joe Louis, and the person he admired most in history was Franklin D. Roosevelt because “he got us out of the war."

Chuck attended Duquesne University through ROTC, where he majored in Business Administration. After graduation, he served as a navigator in the Air Force, completing three years of active duty in Harlingen, TX. He proudly served his country for an additional eighteen years in the Air Guard, taking part in two more active missions during the Vietnam War. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1955 he met Rita Cervi, the love of his life, at the Erwin Drug Store. He was browsing magazines when she entered with a friend from Gulf Oil. Their first date was a movie at the Embassy Theater in Aspinwall. They got engaged during active duty and married on December 1, 1956, at Sacred Heart Church in Shadyside. After spending two years stationed in Harlingen, TX, they returned to Pittsburgh. His first and forever favorite car was a turquoise blue Chevy convertible.

Chuck’s civilian career began at National Cash Register as a salesman, and he later took a sales position at Campbells, where he worked for 38 years. Chuck and Rita had three children: Mary Ellen, David Charles, and Elizabeth Ann, all of whom attended Fox Chapel public schools.

Chuck’s most memorable family vacation was to Disney World. He was an avid reader, and his favorite author was Vince Flynn. His all-time favorite movie was Sabrina, and his favorite movie star was Cary Grant. Chuck had been a lifelong fan of the Steelers and the Pitt Panthers. He particularly enjoyed attending Pitt games with Rita, Phil, and Gloria Frank.

Chuck could effortlessly start a conversation with anyone next to him, and he frequently gave money to people on the street who were asking for help. He recognized the struggles of being down on one’s luck, saying, “You never know what hardships someone is going through.”

He is survived by his wife, Rita, children, Mary Ellen Rehak, David Charles (Heidi) Rehak, and Beth (Bill) Rutland; also by ten grandchildren, Alex, Christopher, Jake, Ben, Emily, Jack, Laney, Leah, Luca and Ava. Family meant everything to Chuck, and he will be remembered as a fierce and loving guardian of his loved ones.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday, May 22nd from 10 a.m. until the parting prayer at 11:30 a.m. at the WEDDELL-AJAK FUNERAL HOME, 100 Center Ave. Aspinwall, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon  at Christ the King Parish, St. Scholastica Church, Aspinwall. Interment  will follow at the Assumption Cemetery of St. Mary, Hampton Twp.  The family respectfully suggests memorial contributions to the St. Vincent DePaul Society of Christ the King Parish, 342 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15215.

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