Charles Edward Foriska

Charles Edward Foriska (aka Chuck, Poppa, Big Pop, Dad) Born 10-31-39 Died 8-9-26 Preceded in death by parents Edward and Frances Foriska and his grandson Dustin Michael Foriska. Survived by Wife Norma Jean Foriska, Son Michael J Foriska, his wife Patricia J. Foriska, Son Daniel C Foriska, his wife Brenda Foriska (all of Sweetwater TN). Granddaughter Kristen Dawn Wallin of Petros Tn. Grandson Daniel Ryan Foriska of Lincolnton NC. along with 5 great- grandchildren and 4 great- great grandchildren all living in TN and NC. As an only child to Edward and Frances Foriska living in rural western Pennsylvania and both parents working post the great depression he learned at a very young age the importance of hard work, being self-sufficient and that education was his future. By age 12 he was a skilled hunter (reloading shot), fisherman (making flies and wood cranks baits) and trapper (selling pelts). At age 15, he got his first taxable income job for Marburger Dairy Farm. He would go into work at 4am and was the runner for the delivery truck. He would carry the milk, butter and cheese to front porches and bring the empties back to the truck. He would then get home in time to get ready and go to school. Heading into Jr and Sr high schools he found his competitive nature pushed him to excel in baseball, basketball and football where he graduated from Evans City Pa. high school at 17 and earned a college football scholarship to the University of Maryland. Continued education at Memphis State University in the 70's. Was skilled at residential and industrial drafting and design, Industrial engineering, Business management, organic chemistry, Team building, specializing in sales and marketing. Expert at building a team at all levels of a business and helping them all grow and become successful. Most of his career was with Halstead Industries with multiple new manufacturing plant startups specializing in Copper tubing and closed cell sponge rubber in several different states. Last new start up in 2003 was the Aeroflex manufacturing and distribution in Sweetwater, TN. Work was not work to Charles. It was fun for him, and he enjoyed it till age 76. He was on several Board of Directors. Charles met the love of his life in the summer of 1958. They met at the Hot Dog Shop in Butler Pa. Where Norma recognized his last name because she worked with his mother at the kitchen factory. They got married on August 12th, 1960. It was a marriage of 66 years of Love, Life and Laughter. They traveled and experienced the world together. He woke up every day with the goal to make Norma smile and glow with love and happiness. Both were active in their Presbyterian churches in the city they were living in at the time. For his boys he was their Cub Scout leader. Kept them active in the Presbyterian church. Coached their little league baseball teams. Spent endless hours playing catch and practicing golf in the church fields. He instilled the importance of honesty, integrity and to live by the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. To learn from your mistakes and never forget that life is short. Life is hard, don't make it harder, Make it fun. He was the best Dad any boy could ask for. He often spoke of the Foriska namesake and just how few there were left in the world (138) last count. Be proud of who you are and your heritage. Now there are 137 left. When not working Charles enjoyed cooking for his wife, friends and family. Enjoyed fine dining, travel and lots of golf with his buddies in Arkansas, North Carolina and Tennessee and his boys. He shot his age or better more times than he could count starting at age 69. He loved Christmas and wrapping gifts. He would wrap gifts for all neighbors if they would let him, He would have been Santa's best elf. He was a child of God and was very generous to and for others. He was loved and adored by many and will be greatly missed. Service announcement is pending and will be posted at a later date by Kyker Funeral Home, Sweetwater.

Charles Edward Foriska

October 31, 1939 - August 9, 2026