Charles H. Girts 1938-2026

Charles was born July 4, 1938, in Youngstown, the son of the late Charles W. and Eva Mae Creighton Girts. He attended South High School in Youngstown and later graduated from Struthers High School in 1956. Charles was a lifelong resident of the Mahoning Valley, the majority spent in Youngstown.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Charles dedicated 47 years of his life to the railroad industry, working as a conductor for Erie Lackawanna and later for Conrail and Norfolk Southern Railroads before retiring in 2000.

He enjoyed watching sports and working on sudoku puzzles. Most of all, Charles cherished time spent with his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother, he found his greatest joy in the company of his loved ones, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, the former Mary Barbara Russell, whom he married Sept. 15, 1962, at the Chapel of Friendly Bells in Youngstown, and who passed away Nov. 5, 2018; two brothers, Robert and Arthur Girts; and five sisters, Ella Mae Serenko, Mary McElwain, Margaret Williams, Betty Freese and Grace Girts.

Charles is survived by his three children, James Girts of Boardman, Karen Girts of Youngstown and Alice (John) Banko of Boardman; two granddaughters, Melanie and Samantha Banko, both of Boardman; a sister, Carole (John) Wire of Poland; a brother, Donald (Christine) Girts of Sebring; and many nieces and nephews.

Per Charles’ wishes, services will be held at a later date and there are no calling hours.

Family and friends may visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with the Girts family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman.

Charles will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

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