Fredrick E. Charles
Fredrick E. Charles,
71, of Greensburg, formerly of Allentown, died Saturday, May 21, 2022 at home. He was born Nov. 22, 1950, in Allentown, a son of the late Charles and Laura Slyman Charles. For forty-five years, Fred has practiced criminal law and civil rights litigation. He was rated by his peers and clients as preeminent in legal ability and ethical standards and was endorsed by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating. He was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh in
1972 where he attained Dean's List Honors. He then attended law school at the University of Louisville where he also attained Dean's List Honors. He began practicing law in Allentown in 1977. In July 1979 he was appointed to the position of Assistant Public Defender for Lehigh County until 1981. At that time, at the age of
30, he was named Chief Public Defender of
Lehigh County, one of the youngest lawyers ever to receive such an appointment. In 1991 he was appointed as the solicitor of Lehigh County, a position that he held until 1994. Fred was inducted into the University of Pittsburgh Greensburg Campus Hall of Fame as a standout athlete with the schools first basketball team. He was a sports enthusiast, especially with regards to the Pittsburgh teams. He devoted a portion of his practice to sports and entertainment law and contract negotiations. He served as Chief Deputy Commissioner for the PA State Athletic Commission, overseeing Amateur and Professional Boxing and Professional Wrestling in eastern PA. He also served as Special
Counsel to professional athletes, radio and television broadcasters and to a NFL football franchise. In addition to his law practice, Fred was a very active member in both the St. George
Antiochian Orthodox Church in Allentown, serving as President on the Church Council and at St. Michael's Church on their council after relocating to Denise's hometown of Greensburg ten years ago.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepson, Ian Nathaniel Sellers in February of 1995.
He is survived by his college sweetheart and wife since 1990, Denise Albert Charles; brother, attorney Dennis G. Charles, of Allentown; in-laws, Sheriff James E. Albert (Michelle), of New Alexandria, Tracie L. Casteel (Leonard), of Greensburg and Jeffrey Albert (Dr. Rana Ziadeh), of Greensburg; two nieces, Melissa Casteel and Gabrielle Capri Albert and a nephew Lonie Felentzer.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Fredrick, Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. in St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 1182 Ashland St, Greensburg, PA 15601, followed by memorial prayers at 8 p.m.
Additional viewing will be held Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. in St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1011 Catasauqua Ave, Allentown, PA 18102. Divine Liturgy will immediately follow at 11 a.m., with The Very Reverend Archpriest Meletios Zafaran, officiating. Interment will follow in Laurel Cemetery, Allentown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael's Orthodox Church or St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church.
Fredrick's family has entrusted his care to the Clement L. Pantalone Funeral Home, Inc. 409 W. Pittsburgh Street, Greensburg, PA 15601, (724) 837-0020. For online condolences / directions, visit us at pantalone.com. Natale N. Pantalone,
supervisor.