Charles F. Bretzin

Portville- Charles F. Bretzin, of 78 North Main Street, Portville, passed away Saturday (December 11, 2021) at the Buffalo General Hospital, after a lengthy illness.

Born March 16, 1935, in Irvona, PA., he was the son of the late Henry and Mildred Strong Bretzin.  He married Jean C. Kasaback, who survives.

Charles was an outstanding high school athlete, excelling in basketball and baseball.  He was even recruited by the Pittsburgh Pirates to play in their organization, he declined their offer and continued playing baseball, for Lockhaven University in Pennsylvania.  He went on to receive two Master’s degrees from Syracuse University, the first one in Biological Science and the second in Librarian Science.

After moving to this area, he worked for many years as the Librarian for Portville Central School and later for the Portville Free Library. 

His true passion was restoring antique cars especially the Model A and Model T Fords.  He was an avid deer hunter and a previous member of the Lion’s Club in Troy, PA., and in Portville. He also attended St. Raphael’s Parish in Eldred, PA.

Besides his wife, he is survived by; four sons, Bradley (Jane) Bretzin of Taylorstown, VA., Randall Bretzin of Portville, Robert (Lori) Bretzin of Hinsdale, William Bretzin of Portville; eleven grandchildren, Charles F. Bretzin, III, Martin Bretzin, Matthew Bretzin, Kayla Bretzin, Joel Bretzin, Wesley Bretzin, Randall Bretzin, Jr., Glenn Bretzin, Mary Jo Bretzin, Abigail Bretzin, and Allyson Bretzin; three great-grandchildren, Charlize, Nico, and Rowan Bretzin; and one sister, Anna Mae Rudnick.

He was predeceased by; one son, Charles F. Bretzin, II., and one brother, Clayton Bretzin.

Friends will be received at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 51 S. Main Street, Portville on Thursday from 4-7pm.   Funeral services will be held on Friday (December 17, 2021) at 11am at the Oratory of the Sacred Heart, 43 Maple Street, Portville. Burial will follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery.

Online condolences, can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com