About Chuckie

Charles “Chuckie” Francis Mahoney IV
May 7, 1981 – February 11, 2002

Chuckie F. Mahoney IV meant many things to many different people. He was a leader, a friend and a lover of sports. He was intelligent, fun, competitive and compassionate, with a great sense of humor and ornery disposition. Chuck hated to lose and was known for his strong work ethic, loyalty, determination and boundless energy. He hated injustice and wasn’t afraid to express his opinions.

A talented athlete, Chuck lettered in football, basketball and baseball at Burgettstown High School. In his junior and senior years, he played quarterback for Blue Devils and served as captain for both the football and basketball teams. He was one of few athletes to be awarded both the McElheney Award for football and the Stanish Award for basketball. Chuck was also a member of the National Honor Society from seventh through twelfth grade and served as vice-president for this group, as well as vice-president for his class for four years. He was voted Snowball King in his freshman year and Prom Prince in his senior year.

His bright smile, kindness and accepting nature won him many friends. While a student at Allegheny College, he was a member of the football team for two years and was vice-president of his fraternity (SAE), all while working a campus job and keeping a dean’s list average. Hard work was a part of who he was. During the summer months, Chuck worked for Judge Thomas Gladden in the family court at the Washington County Courthouse. He loved children and his main dream was to become a child advocate lawyer to protect those too young to have a voice. This was no surprise, as Chuck always fought for the underdog. His love of working with children began during high school when he volunteered reading to kids and tutoring at the local elementary school. A bronze plaque hangs in the Burgettstown Elementary Library in his honor.

Chuck enjoyed playing golf and tennis with his friends and family, as well as reading literary classics and poetry. He wrote his own poetry; many poems were found after his death and some have been published. He taught himself to play the guitar. He enjoyed music of many eras, in particular, groups of the 80’s. His favorites were “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison and “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard.

Chuck loved his family and looked out for his older sister and younger brother. Chuck was responsible, reliable, and highly sensitive. To sum it all up, the world lost a very special person who was poised to make great contributions.