Rev. Charles F. "Red" Remaley, 91, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2017.
Born October 19, 1925, to the late Charles F. and Elizabeth (Stewart) Remaley, Sr., in Verona, he graduated from Verona High School in 1943 and, at age 17, enlisted in the
US Navy. He served on the USS LST-1024 during
World War II in the South Pacific, participating in the invasions of Leyte (Philippines), Lingayen Gulf, and Okinawa. He continued to serve during the occupation of Japan.
A chance encounter in the Pacific theater of World War II determined Red's future and resulted in his almost 70-year marriage to his pen pal, Ruth Jean Simpson, of Glen Ellyn, IL.
After several years of marriage, the Spirit of the Lord hounded him until he surrendered to the call. After studying nearly 60 books over seven and a half years, he qualified for ordination in the Methodist Church at the age of 39. He served as a part-time lay pastor and was ordained a deacon in 1963 and an elder in the Methodist Conference. He served as an assistant at the Rosedale Methodist Church, then served at McKeesport First and and was assigned in 1963 to launch a new church -- Green Valley Methodist Church in North Versailles--where he was lead pastor until the merger that formed the United Methodist Church in 1970. He then served as pastor of Mt. Washington UMC until 1973.
He also worked 35 years for Bell of Pennsylvania as a central office switchman and in other positions.
From his childhood, to his service in the Navy during World War II and his days afterward, Red led a full and incredible life. At the age of 91 he wrote his memoir, One Man's Journey with a silent partner which is rich with humor, romance, and serious reflections upon many happenings in his lifetime. Through every triumph and disappointment, his "silent partner," God never strayed from his side. He was a man who was reflective of the "Greatest Generation"…God, country, and family.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, R. Jean (Simpson) Remaley, in 2016; by his parents; his brother, Clyde "Bud" L. Remaley, his sister, Audrey (Remaley) Davis; and infant daughter; daughter-in-law, Debra Doege Remaley, and son-in-law, Garry Lynn Johnson. He is survived by his daughter, Carol Ann Remaley Johnson, of Johns Creek, Georgia and his son, Robert Warren Remaley of Penn Hills.
Funeral services were held Friday, Oct. 6 at the Rosedale United Methodist Church in Verona. Interment followed in Plum Creek Cemetery.
Burket-Truby Funeral Home Cremation and Alternative Services in Oakmont handled arrangements. Donations may be made in his name to Rosedale United Methodist Church.
