Charles J. Hafer

Charles J. Hafer, 83, of Hamburg, passed away Friday, January 5, 2024, in the Reading Hospital.

He was pre-deceased by Ann C. (Longhenry) Hafer to whom he was married for 55 years.

Born in Port Clinton, he was a son of the late Nathan H. and Carrie (Sterner) Hafer.

He was a 1959 graduate of Schuylkill Haven Area High School where he was actively involved in a wide range of school activities to include being a member of the track and football teams.

From his humble beginnings providing tax assistance to his neighbors and friends at the age of 15 years old, Charles went on to dedicate over five decades of his professional career as a self-employed Public Accountant where he became a fixture in the local community. He was an active member of the Pennsylvania Society of Tax and Accounting Professionals in which he held various officer positions. He was also the Treasurer/Secretary for over 25 years for both the Port Clinton and Deer Lake Boroughs.

Charles had a strong sense of duty and was committed to make a difference by helping people in the Hamburg and Port Clinton community that he called home for his entire life. He was very involved in various civic and charitable organizations such as the Hamburg Rotary Club and Our Town Foundation. Whether it was ringing the bell for the Salvation Army during the holiday season, collecting donations for those in need throughout the year, or giving his time to support various community events, he was always there with a big smile to lend a helping hand.

Faith was very important to Charles. He was an active member of St. John's Church in Port Clinton throughout his life. He sang in the church choir, was the Sunday School Superintendent for 30 years, and served as Treasurer for the church for over 50 years.

Above all else, family was his top priority. Charles cherished helping to organize monthly Hafer family lunch get-togethers and the annual Hafer Christmas party with his many siblings and their extended family members. He was always excited to participate in vacation trips with his children and grandchildren. It did not matter whether he was visiting the Grand Canyon or the beach in Cape Cod, you could count on Charles to spark up a conversation, tell a joke, or share a story with anyone who crossed his path.

He rooted for Philadelphia area professional sports teams and was an avid Penn State football fan. However, he saved his biggest cheers and was never prouder than when he attended the endless number of band concerts and sporting events that his children and grandchildren participated in.

He is survived by two children, Nathan D. Hafer, fiancee to Rose Barkman, Auburn, and Lori, wife of Mark Blum, Pottstown; four siblings: Mary Fraunfelter, Harrisburg, Georgine, wife of Joseph Roman, Oldsmar, FL, George Hafer, and Joanne Donetti, both of Port Clinton. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Benjamin Hafer, Megan Hafer, Andrew Blum, Daniel Blum, and Jack Blum; many nieces, nephews and extended family; and his beloved dog, Bella.

Charles was predeceased by four siblings: Irene Moyer, Harold Hafer, Robert Hafer, and Donald Hafer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at St. John's Church, 36 Penn Street, Port Clinton, PA 19549. A visitation will be held prior to the Celebration of Life Service from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the church. Burial services will be privately held on a separate date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Johns Church, P.O. Box 102, Port Clinton, PA 19549. Kuhn Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.