Charles R. Kollar Sr. 1931-2025
YOUNGSTOWN — Charles R. Kollar Sr. passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday, May 19, 2025, at The Inn at Christine Valley. Charles was a respected and beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather during his 94 years of life.
Charles “Chuck” Kollar was born Feb. 15, 1931, to Charles and Mary Kollar in Youngstown. He attended Holy Name Elementary School and was a 1949 graduate of Ursuline High School. He then attended Southwest Missouri State University on a football scholarship before leaving early to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served in the Submarine Force during the Korean War on the USS Wahoo for four years.
After returning home from his service in the Korean War, Chuck’s sister, Theresa, introduced him to her dear friend, Margaret “Peg” Brown. Chuck and Peg were married Oct. 1, 1955, at Holy Name Church. They were affectionately nicknamed by all who knew them well, The Heat & Brown Sugar, and celebrated just shy of 70 years together.
Chuck worked for 45 years at Ohio Bell Telephone as a linemen and district manager, but his real passion was rooted in the outdoors. An avid fisherman and hunter, his greatest fishing achievement was the 10-pound walleye he pulled through the ice on Pymatuning Lake, which is displayed on the wall of his family room.
Chuck was devoted in every aspect of his life, namely his faith and his family. He was a member of Holy Name Church, where he sang in the choir and served as a lector.
His greatest joys were spent on the sidelines of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. Chuck loved football, and cheering on his kids was a source of great pride for him.
Chuck had a knack for outfitting common items to accommodate everyday needs. He made countless journeys up and down the basement stairs to his workspace where he tinkered for hours on end. In every room of his and Peg’s home, evidence of Chuck’s MacGyvering exists.
He is survived by his wife, Peg Kollar; and his children, Chuck (Barb) Kollar, Kathy (Bill) Glenellen, Ken (Diane) Kollar, Greg (Linda) Kollar, Jim (Amy) Kollar, Kurt (Laura) Kollar and Lori (Mark) Heltzel. He also leaves behind 29 grandchildren and 22.75 great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.
His family also extends special appreciation to his caregiver, Emily; to Ed and Diane Reese; and to the staff at The Inn at Christine Valley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Kollar; his brother, Jack (Donna) Kollar; and his sisters, Theresa (Wally) Bishop, Genevieve “Gwen” (Joe) Knapp and Julianne (Mort) Myrvold.
Visitation will be 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, 4303 Mahoning Ave., Austintown, OH 44515, with Mass following at noon at St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44511.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Chuck’s name to Mahoning Valley Special Olympics, 60 Westchester Drive, Ste. 4, Austintown, OH 44515.
For more information on MVSO or how to donate, call 330-398-8266 or email MahoningCOSO@gmail.com.
(special notice)