Charles D. Pursch, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 in the Hershey Medical Center after a brief illness.

He was born in Paxtonia and entered the Milton Hershey School as a young boy at the age of nine. Charles had many things in his life that he loved and was most proud of. His children; daughter, Chris Androski and husband John, of Hershey, his daughter, Elizabeth Shuey of Hummelstown, and his son, Andrew Pursch and wife Karen of Boulder, CO.

He was a 1942 graduate of the Milton Hershey School where he was also employed and retired after 25 years. He was a World War II Veteran and retired as a Chief Petty Officer after a 36 year career in the United States Navy. He was a 62 year member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Hershey.

Charles had a great affection for all animals and was loved in his later years by his beloved Newfoundland dog, Sertie. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Louise DeAngelis Pursch and his sister, Doris Gross of Harrisburg. He will be missed by his family and friends and all of those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December, 28, 2009 from 9-10:15 a.m., in the Hoover Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Hershey. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., in St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church, Hershey, followed by interment with honors in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial Contributions can be made to the Newfoundland (Dog) Club of America Charitable Trust Fund at NCA Charitable Trust Fund, c/o Mary L. Price,1004 Hwy 78 S.,Mt. Horeb, WI 53572.