Obituary of Charles Howard Naginey

Charles Howard "Chuck" Naginey, of State College, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at The Village at Penn State. He was 93.

Born August 2, 1930, in Lewistown, he was the son of Charles Cochran and Winifred (Leonard) Naginey and brother to Sarah Jane, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by Constance "Connie" Clague, his wife of 68 years; five children: Judy Naginey (Reid Miller), John Naginey (Sheila), Jackie Naginey Hook (John), Jim Naginey, and Julie DeCooman (John); twelve grandchildren: Gabriel (Kay) and Micah Miller; Tim (Hannah Ewing) and Jonathan Naginey; Jessica and James Hook; Cody (Sam), Dakota (Carly Vilardi), and Caitlyn Naginey (Lawrence Dalla Betta); Jack, Jed, and Jorg DeCooman; five great-grandchildren: Liam, Tommy, Amelia, Sienna, and "one in the hangar" (as Chuck would say); beloved cousins, nieces, nephew, godchildren, former daughters-in-law and their families.

Chuck was a 1948 graduate of Milroy High School and a 1952 graduate of Penn State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in music education. He then entered the Air Force and served as a fighter-bomber pilot. Chuck later served in the Air National Guard and retired from the Air Force with the rank of Major.

In 1954, he met his wife, Connie, on a blind date. They were married on August 6, 1955 at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. They shared more than 68 years of true happiness together.

After his Air Force active duty, Chuck returned to Penn State and began his three decade career at the university, first in the Alumni Fund. He then moved into management services, became the director of the department, and was a driving force in Penn State's early years of administrative computing. He has been called "the father of fourth generation administrative computing" at Penn State and was said to have been a major factor in the transition from a card-oriented data processing center to the more modern computer center. While working at Penn State, he earned a second bachelor's and then a master's degree in industrial engineering, and completed all of the coursework for a doctoral degree in higher education. After his retirement from Penn State, Chuck worked in information systems for the national American Cancer Society in Austin, Texas. After full retirement, Chuck and Connie enjoyed visiting with family and traveling the world together.

Chuck was always very active in community service. He was a member of Phi Tau Fraternity, Skull and Bones Honor Society, Thespians, Jaycees, Penn State Engineering Society, and CAUSE. He served in multiple roles with the American Cancer Society, including leadership positions at the national level. With his beautiful tenor voice, he participated in the State College Choral Society and many church choirs. He was a member, deacon, and elder in the State College Presbyterian Church. Throughout his lifetime, Chuck received many awards and was especially proud of being a recipient of the Barash Award for Human Service.

No description of Chuck would be complete without noting that he never willingly missed a Penn State football game or wrestling match. Saturdays were scheduled around Penn State football, Sundays around the Steelers. The Phillies were watched whenever and wherever they played. But at the end of the day, there is no question that Chuck was most proud of being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His last years were spent visiting, talking, and texting with his many children and grandchildren with his beloved Connie always by his side. He never missed a thing, could answer all questions, and had a joke or a pun to contribute to absolutely every conversation. His love was deeply felt and he will be so very missed.

Family and friends will be received from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College, PA.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at the State College Presbyterian Church, 132 W. Beaver Ave, State College, with Pastor Scott Kretchmar officiating.

Interment will be in the Church Hill Cemetery, Reedsville, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.