Charles Thomas Vermac, Jr.

Charles Thomas Vermac, Jr., 21, was granted eternal rest on Thursday, July 15, 2021, after a grueling two-year battle against rhabdomyosarcoma. While this rare and aggressive cancer and the treatments he endured to cure it may have weakened him physically, he refused to allow it to destroy his spirit. Charlie remained his loving, polite, humble, kind and generous self, standing steadfast in his trust in God. 

Charlie graduated from Holy Rosary Elementary School in Duryea and from Pittston Area High School. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 316, Avoca and obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. A hard and willing worker, Charlie had been employed by Burger King and Wendy’s.

Charlie enjoyed spending time building complex Star Wars LEGO sets and studying World and American History, especially the American Revolution. His happiest moments were those spent fishing with his dad. 

Left behind to forever mourn his passing are his father, Charles Vermac, Sr., who was Charlie’s physical strength when he had none; his mother, Mary Jane Blackwell Vermac, who was his voice when he could not speak for himself; and, his sister, Belle, who was his champion, sacrificing so much to keep him safe during the pandemic.

Many join Charlie’s parents and sister in their grief, especially his aunts, Cathy Martin and family, Debbie Gratalo and family, Diane Van Luvender and family; his uncles, Stephen Vermac and family, Tommy Vermac and family; his cousins, Julie Mulea and family, Sara Hargadon Michaels and family; his Godmother, Susan Price Kon and family; his Godfather, Marty McGlynn and family.

Charlie was preceded in death by grandmother, Mary Claire Blackwell (Moo); his great aunt, Roberta Thompson (Bopshe); his great-great aunt, Clementine Lyons (Teen) who were collectively known as “Charlie’s Angels”; grandfather, Donald Blackwell; grandparents, Cas and Mary Lou Vermac; uncle, Paul Vermac, Sr. (Crue). 

Gratitude is extended and appreciation is offered to countless friends, family members, Avoca community members, and staff at the Diocese of Scranton for their unending kindness, support and generosity, and to Rev. Phillip Sladicka for the continuing spiritual support provided to both Charlie and his family. 

On behalf of Charlie, his family would like to acknowledge those who provided Charlie with compassionate and exceptional medical care, especially Dr. Kristin Snyder and Meredith Johnson, CRNP-AC, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Oncology and Palliative Care teams; Dr. Christine Hill-Kayser and Dr. Ara Chalian, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; Dr. Luigi Spagnolini and the Pittston Geisinger staff; doctors and nurses of the Intensive Care Unit at Geisinger Wyoming Valley. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 2:00 PM from Queen of The Apostles Church, 715 Hawthorne St, Avoca. Officiating will be Reverend Phillip Sladicka. Please go directly to the church if you will be attending. Interment will be private at a later date. 

Family and friends may visit Sunday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, 728 Main St. Avoca. Condolences may be sent to kniffenfuneralhome.com

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