Charles W. Schnaufer

Charles (Charlie) Walter Schnaufer, age 82, passed away on Sunday, December 21, at Sacred Heart Senior Living by the Creek in Northampton. He was born on March 10, 1943, in Weatherly, Pennsylvania, to Irene Andrews Schnaufer and Walter Schnaufer, who preceded him in death. The love of his life, Laurie McHugh Schnaufer, preceded him in death in April of 2024, and now they are reunited for eternity, free to continue their storybook love. Charlie is survived by his daughters, Karrie Schnaufer Hamilton (Steve) of Pasadena, MD; Lee Ann Kubitsky Ireland (Chris) of Findlay, OH; Kelly Dart Delmaso (Ben Kibler) of Allentown, PA; and Laurie “Cookie” Dart Weslosky (Mark) of Northampton, PA; and his son, Scott Dart (Lori Staufer) of Bethlehem, PA: his grandchildren, Brady and Ben Ireland, William Scheirer, Kyle Scheirer (Dr. Gabriella Roccino) , Aaron and Abby Weslosky, Evan and Emily Dart; and his great-grandchildren: Jaden Leach and Wells Scheirer, and his sister, Elizabeth “Libby” Schnaufer Hays of Weatherly, PA. Charlie was a 1961 graduate of Weatherly High School. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he served as a tank driver. While stationed there, he developed a deep love and appreciation for the Hawaiian Islands. Throughout their marriage, he and Laurie returned many times to explore new places and soak in the spirit of Aloha. Charlie was a master carpenter, a gifted storyteller, and the biggest sandbagger you ever met. His joy was infectious, and he truly never met a stranger. One of his favorite stories was about building his first house. While bartending at Lake Harmony Lodge, he was asked if he knew how to build a house. “Absolutely,” he replied. The next day, he went to the library and checked out a book on how to build a house. He and a buddy built it, and his life as a contractor began. Some questioned the validity of the story, but Charlie had such a way of weaving a tale that you always believed him—even when you knew it might be a tall one. Charlie’s favorite Sunday activity was spending time with his cousins, Danny and Ricky Andrews, at Silver Ridge Hunting Club—sitting in his cabin, cooking breakfast, and “thinking” about deer hunting. His humor and love are forever ingrained in those who knew him, and the thought of living without him feels unfathomable A memorial service will be held on Saturday January 3, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at the J.S. Burkholder Funeral home 16th and Hamilton Sts Allentown. A calling hour will be held on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley in Charlie’s memory. One of his greatest pleasures was reading the Joe Pickett series by C. J. Box, where he found stories of courage, fairness, and ordinary people quietly doing extraordinary things—values he carried throughout his own life.

Charles W. Schnaufer

December 21, 2025