CHARLES C. PETRO, JR. age 89. Retired Chief of Police, City of Lakewood. Beloved husband of 67 years to Irene (nee Horvath); father of Andrea Petro (Scott Jefferies) and Gregory (Barbara); grandfather of five; great-grandfather of one; brother of John (Carol) and Lynn Hanhilammi; uncle and friend of many. Passed away Jan. 11, 2019. Funeral Mass Wednesday, Jan. 16, St. Luke Church (1212 Bunts Rd.) at 10:00 AM. Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of CLEVELAND, 4420 ROCKY RIVER DR. AT PURITAS TUESDAY 2-4 & 6-8 PM. In lieu of flowers contributions to Ames Family Hospice, 30080 Hospice Way, Westlake, OH 44145.

Charlie was born July 3, 1929 in Elyria, Ohio.  Growing up he attended schools in Elyria, Wadsworth, Akron, Port Clinton and Toledo.  He graduated from Toledo Devilbiss High School in 1947 graduating in the top 10% of his class.  During his senior year he worked the racetracks of Midget Auto Racing Circuit bringing him to Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, Wisconsin, New Hampshire and Connecticut.  In 1948 he worked for US Shoe Co. and Precision Casting and setting bowling pins at Lakewood Recreation Bowling Alley.  In 1950 he worked for Kramer Greenhouse in Rocky River.  He met Irene Horvath in the summer of 1950.

He was drafted into the Army in March 1951 and discharged in 1953.  He volunteered for Airborne Division Fort Campbell, Kentucky making 18 jumps in 2 years.  He married Irene September 1, 1951 and Andrea was born August 9, 1952.

He returned to Lakewood in 1953 working for Kramer Greenhouse and joined the Lakewood Police Department.  He climbed the promotion ladder Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Chief.  Retiring in 1983.  He was one of the original members on the board of trustees for the Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund appointed by Governor James Rhodes.  He worked as a Labor Negotiator in 1985-86, representing labor unions in Huron, Sandusky, Perkins Twp. and Erie County Sheriff.  In 1999 he joined Personal Household Liquidaion Estates Sales and in 2008 joined Granny's Attic Estate Sales.

He enjoyed fishing, horse racing, bowling and stamp collecting.  He admired two politicians: Bob Lawther, Mayor city of Lakewood and Jim Flannery. State Representative and police officers: Vince Krempburger, Mike Flynn, William Leonard, Dick Keller and Ronnie Murray.

He was called coach by many for over 25 years.  He coached 7th and 8th grade basketball teams at St. James in Lakewood and St. Angela Merici in Fairview Park.  His favorite college coaches were Fred Taylor (OSU), Bobby Knight (Indiana), Coach K (Duke) and Louie Carnesecca (St. John).

He loved to drive and often would run 700 miles in a day.   He traveled to every state in America, St. Lucia, St. Martin, St. Bart's, England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, five Canadian provinces and 10 national parks.

Chuck was known for his Christmas Cookies.  He bakes 25 different varieties and gave them out to over 20 people. His signature cookie was Green Christmas tree with gold star and wreaths and his favorite was Truffles in disguise.  He never saw a sausage he didn't like.  He loved Thanksgiving dinner and Leg of Lamb or Crown Roast of Pork on Christmas and he washed it all down with his favorite cocktail 5 Star Rye.