Obituary

Charles Edward Zellner Obituary
Charles Edward Zellner of Troy, Ohio, formerly of Dayton, Ohio and Katonah, New York, passed away on December 8, 2024. He was 95. Chuck was born on May 14, 1929 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Edward and Mabel (Lehr) Zellner. Growing up Chuck ran his own 4H chicken business while working at a hatchery, and he took this passion to Pennsylvania State earning a degree in Animal Husbandry. During this time he became editor of the Agricultural School’s weekly newspaper and monthly magazine which ultimately led to his professional career in the printing industry. Later, he went on to obtain a MBA from the University of Dayton.

Chuck served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. It was there that he met his beloved wife, Marijane, with whom he shared 51 wonderful years. Chuck continued his service in The Air Force Reserves as a Liaison Officer until his retirement, achieving the rank of Colonel. Throughout his professional career spanning four decades, he made significant contributions to the printing industry working at McCalls, Dayton Press, and finally at Reader’s Digest in Pleasantville, NY.

Chuck dedicated his life to serving others using his time and talents to make a difference. He volunteered with the Salvation Army and Community Chest, now known as the United Way, helping those in need. When Marijane served as Worthy Matron of the Dayton Chapter of Eastern Star, Chuck stood by her side as Worthy Patron. As a Liaison Officer he counseled hundreds of high school students on their journey to the Air Force Academy. After retiring from Reader’s Digest, he volunteered for nearly 30 years as a mentor for small businesses through the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), ultimately becoming Director of the State of New York.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marijane (Hopkins), sister and brother-in-law Ada and Frank Flower, and niece Joan (Scott) Valentine. Chuck will be forever remembered as a devoted father by his children Karen (Stephen) Gillen of Sunbury, Ohio, and Scott (Laura) Zellner of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He was a cherished uncle to Debbie (Gerry) Flower, Linda (Gary) Flower, and Ann Flower. Chuck took great pride in being a devoted grandfather to Scott Charles (Fiancé Lauren Shaman) Zellner, Katie Zellner, Amy (Scott) Sieber, and Melissa (Zachary) Billy. He was also a loving great-grandfather to Colton, Connor, Nolan, and Hailey.

Chuck took a deep interest in his grandchildren, investing in their future through education. For over 40 years he hosted annual family vacations which are a source of great memories. He cherished lunches with retired Air Force liaison officers, enthusiastically supported his Penn State Nittany Lions, enjoyed watching baseball, and embarked on countless memorable journeys around the world.

When asked what advice he had for family and friends, he quickly pointed to the Golden Rule in the Bible: “Make the most of your life...day by day. Treat others as you would have them treat you.”

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM on March 15, 2025 at Baird Funeral Home, 555 N. Market St., Troy. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Chuck will be laid to rest at David's Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Charles Edward Zellner Memorial to benefit the Salvation Army of Dayton through the following link. https://give.salvationarmy.org/give/652733/#!/donation/checkout .

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.