Charles "Chuck" McLean Carter, age 87, of Plymouth Meeting, PA, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at home surrounded by loved ones.
Chuck was born on January 17, 1936 on a family farm outside of Clyde, Ohio. Though his family moved multiple times before his 18th birthday, he was an excellent student. He graduated from West View High School in Pittsburgh, PA and was awarded a scholarship to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. During his undergraduate days at RPI, he was an All-American soccer goalie and a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. After graduation he worked for The Trane Company in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he also played semi-pro basketball; he moved later to Chicago, where he worked for Western Electric while earning his Juris Doctorate from DePaul University. He was a member of the Illinois Bar and worked for an area law firm and Warwick Electronics before joining Skil Corporation, where he eventually became President of Skil International. In 1986, he moved with his family to Philadelphia, PA, where he became President and CEO of the Reading Company, formerly the Reading Railroad (yes, as referenced in the game of Monopoly.) At Reading Company, he successfully negotiated an agreement with the City of Philadelphia to construct the Pennsylvania Convention Center at the Reading Terminal Market. He was on the Board of Directors of the Greater Philadelphia City Chamber of Commerce and the Center Philadelphia Development Committee as well as serving as a Trustee for the Walnut Street Theatre. Forever an engineer in love of new ideas, he helped launch many new entrepreneurs in his role as President of the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh chapters of Keiretsu Forum. Though Chuck had a lengthy professional career and never fully retired, golf was how he loved to spend his free time. He was a member of Westmoreland Country Club outside of Chicago and later joined Sunnybrook Golf Club, Plymouth Meeting, in 1987 where he was 12-time club champion. Affectionately nicknamed "Cobra", he was still amazing people on the course at 86, shooting below his age just a few months before his passing (a feat he had done over 350 times). Chuck had an amazing tenor voice, had performed in professional theatre in Pittsburgh, and was a soloist for several church choirs and weddings. Friends, family, and golf buddies fondly recall being treated to Chuck's amazing version of "My Way" - a performance that many say rivaled Sinatra's. He was a proud charter member of American Express, had toured the world, and danced on the Lawrence Welk Show. He was a Chicago Bears season ticket holder for years, receiving the seats directly from George Halas after sending him a letter of support. He eventually became a Philadelphia Eagles fan after moving to the area, and he was so excited about the possibility of a Super Bowl bid this year. Chuck never met a stranger and was an eternal optimist who lived life to the fullest. Despite all of the adventures and stories he loved to share, he was most proud of his roles as Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa. He brought so much joy to everyone, and we shall be forever comforted by the memories we have of our time with him. He is survived by his three children - Suzanne Grace, wife of Michael of NC, Debra Stewart, wife of Robert of TN, and Daniel Carter, husband of Cameron of GA; their mother, Linda (Parr); long-time "love of his life", Rosalie Cardile; grandchildren Michael (Sarah), Chelsea (Nick), Jacob, Heather, Nate, Jack, Ryan, and Lily; and great grandchildren Simeon and Cyrus. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Dorothy (McLean) and his brothers, Roderick and Howard, Jr.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service on Sunday, February 5, 2023 in the Heritage Chapel at George Washington Memorial Park, 80 Stenton Avenue, Plymouth Meeting, PA at 2:00 PM. All are invited to pay their respects to the family from 1:00 PM in the chapel prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to a veterans charity of your choice or to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org . Family service by Kirk & Nice, Inc, Plymouth Meeting, PA.