Charles Pongracz

Charles Pongracz III, age 79, passed away July 6, 2022 after a long fight with congestive heart failure. He was born on June 20, 1943 to the late Charles and Helen Pongracz in Colorado Springs, CO. He served in the United States Navy and graduated from the FBI Academy in Quantico. Charles worked for the Summit County Sheriff’s Department for 38 years, ending his service as a Retired Major. He was a 32nd Degree Mason of Lodge 187 and a proud member of The Liars Club. Charles was active in the Police Olympics, earning many gold medals in powerlifting. He had a strong work ethic, taking on extra jobs as often as he could, and enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marian Pongracz; brother, Dennis Pongracz; and step-grandson, Scott Metker. He is survived by his partner, Sue Wigington; sisters, Elaine Graham (Darryl) and Mary Thomas; nephews, Daniel, Matthew, and Christopher Graham and Dennis Pongracz Jr.; niece, Michelle Brown; step-daughters, Sandra Collins and Linda Hathaway (Mark); step-grandchildren, David Pongracz (Kelly), Michael Reedy, and Michelle Mikulin (Tom); step-great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Christopher, Nicole, Joseph, and Matthew;; and daughter, Charlene. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oak Hill Presbyterian Church or Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care, 3743 Boettler Oaks Dr. Suite E, Uniontown, OH 44685. Friends and family will be received Sunday, July 10th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd. Akron (Ellet), OH 44312. Funeral service will be held Monday, July 11th at 11 a.m. with an hour of visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, 2406 Ardwell Ave. Akron, OH 44312. Interment with military honors will follow at Hillside Memorial Park.