Richard S. Charnisky, 67, U.S. Air Force Veteran

Commonly known by the nicknames of either Charlie or Eric, Mr. Charinsky attended Saint Ladislaus Parish School in Lorain and went on to graduate from Lorain Saint Mary School with the class of 1954.

Following his graduation, he embarked on a career with the United States Air Force that spanned twenty-one years. Ultimately commissioned as a Staff Sergeant, he completed two tours of duty in Southeast Asia, Viet Nam, Germany, and Italy, as well as state-side assignments at the Pentagon, San Francisco, Bellefontaine, Ohio, and the Virginia Air Force Base. He was trained as an Electronics, Cryptographic Repairman and Code Ethics Specialist. Originally attached to the 6987 Security Group Division, he completed special assignments with the 663 Radar Squadron.

While serving in Viet Nam, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for Bravery. From September of 1956 to July of 1959 he was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for Distinguished Meritorious Service. He officially retired from the military on November 1, 1975.

While stationed in California, he earned his Associates Degree in Economics from the University of San Francisco. He also completed a Basic Private Police Training course at Case Western Reserve University.

He was later employed as a security officer at the former St. Joseph Hospital in Lorain. Richard was extremely well versed in the use of the personal computer and enjoyed developing training programs in which his nieces and nephews would have fun learning the principals of math.

Charlie also had kept professional football statistics since 1965; based upon that data, he and his sisters competed weekly to forecast the outcome of the games.

He was probably known as Mr. Kind Guy. This title was bestowed on him by residents of his apartment complex in Elyria as he would volunteer his time transporting them to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, wherever they needed to go when they couldn’t afford bus or cab fare.

He is survived by his sisters: Mary Ann Price of Swanton, Ohio, Phyllis “Pepsi” Lachowyn of Lorain, and Marlene Reeves of Kingwood, WV; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father: Steve Charnisky in 1958, by his mother: Mary Elizabeth Wilson (Bolitz) in 1997; by brothers: William and Ronald; and by an infant sister.

Graveside services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in Calvary Cemetery ~ 555 North Ridge Road in Lorain. The reverend Joseph West, O.F.M. Conv. Pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Lorain will officiate. Military Honors will follow conducted by officers and members of Louis Paul Proy Chapter #20 of the Disabled American Veterans.

The family suggest memorials in his memory the either: Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Restoration Fund ~ 1305 East Erie Ave ~ Lorain, OH 44052 or to the Holy Cross Catholic Church Restoration Fund ~ 1417 West Avenue ~ Elyria, OH 44035.