Charles Andrew Petrishe age 77 of Canton, GA passed away peacefully Thursday evening
June 1, 2023 after a long illness. Charles was surrounded by his beloved wife of 40 years,
Dale-Elizabeth (Pokorny), friends and his caring pastoral and hospice staff. He is survived by
daughters Cassandra (Chris) Coor, TX, Jennifer (Kevin) Priestner, NJ, Elizabeth (Bill) Srejma,
IL, a son Charles Petrishe, IN, in addition to 12 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren.
After completing Naval Service during the Vietnam War, Mr. Petrishe spent his career working
as an Environmental Engineer, traveling the country for National Can, Continental Can and the
Electro Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors Corporation; where he was also the O.S.H.A.
Energy/Compliance Engineer. In his later years Chuck specialized in Air Quality Engineering,
opening and running the California office for the Almega Corporation, working with the major
refineries in California. Chuck also was an industry representative to the California State Air
Quality Board and worked closely with the S.C.A.Q.M.D. Returning to the Midwest, Chuck
worked for the Radio Flyer Company and Creata, the US designer of McDonald's Happy
Meals, with O.S.H.A. and QA/QC responsibilities monitoring domestic and China
manufacturing production for both companies. The Red Wagon and Happy Meal Toys – his
grandchildren had the best "bragging rights".
Chuck's experiences in the Navy played a major role in his life. He frequently related how the
Navy taught him the value of discipline, education, faith and investing in a cause larger than
himself; explaining that these values made him the person he was in work and life. Retirement
in Georgia brought a great deal of peace to Chuck with the Vietnam Veterans here welcoming
one another home, and the faith community of St. Clements embracing him.
Chuck's Navy years ignited his love of travel and adventure – throughout both his work and
retirement years he crisscrossed the United States and traveled China by plane and car. With
camera and fishing rod in hand, he could be found exploring hidden by-ways, state/national
parks and very scary mountain roads. His explorations always included finding the best local
cafes and diners from Los Angles to Boston! When not traveling, Chuck loved taking the
'young'uns' out for Saturday breakfasts and then a forest, fishing or museum adventure.
Chuck was the man behind the camera – photographing travels, things that caught his eye
when walking, family milestones and events. Afterwards he headed to the kitchen to cook – a
happy place for him and his language of love for the family.
Mr. Petrishe will be interned on November 10th, 2023 at 9:00a.m. in the Georgia National
Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Service will be held after interment at 11:00 a.m. at St.
Clements Episcopal Church followed by a Reception.
In lieu of Flowers, the family requests donations be made to either the National Audubon
Society or to St. Ann's Catholic School, Chicago, IL. The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home
is in charge of these arrangements.
DONATION INFORMATION:
St. Ann's Catholic School National Audubon Society
https://www.stanncrusaders.org https://www.act.audubon.org>donations