Charles Joseph Grunenwald

Charles (Chuck) Joseph Grunenwald was born to Charles Robert and Mary Rita (Anderson) Grunenwald on April 17, 1946. He entered eternal life on January 18, 2026. During this transition, he was surrounded by family, prayer, and song.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Barbara Ann Turinsky Grunenwald, having just celebrated their anniversary on January 7th. He is also survived by his three daughters Michele Anne (Brian) McCombs, Danielle Marie (Marty) Gruhler, and Claudine Renee Grunenwald (Deacon Robert) Kirschner.

His beloved grandchildren include: Katy (31), Matthew (28), Anne Marie (26) (Cameron Casenhiser), and Grace (23) McCombs; Charlie (26) and Henry (19) Gruhler; and Ava (21), Martin (18), Clare (16), and Andrew (13) Kirschner.

He is survived by siblings Mary Joan, David (Sue, deceased), Mark (Marnie) Grunenwald, Mary Rita (Don) Clemente and an abundance of nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Mary Anne and Paul Grunenwald, Mary Alice (Rafael) Goldsmith, his in-laws Michael and Mary (Puskar) Turinsky and his beloved niece Denyse Schenz. 

He was born in Youngstown, Ohio, attending Saint Edward Parish School, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Seminary in Geneva, Illinois, and Ursuline High School, graduating in 1965.

Charles worked in transportation logistics for thirty-six years. He began as a dispatcher, became a sales manager, and then, a well-loved, successful terminal manager. Companies he worked for include: General Electric, Motor Freight, and Conway Central Express. Before GPS he could offer expert driving directions to nearly anywhere from memory. He fielded many a phone call from his wife, his daughters, and their friends whenever they were lost.

After retiring, he remained actively employed with Keep Akron Beautiful and Home Depot. Additionally, he founded and operated a stump-grinding company for twenty years. CJ Grinders helped many area families keep their yards beautiful.

He took great care of his own yard and beautiful perennial gardens. He had a love of golf and together with his brother David and his sons-in-law, was a founding member–twenty-nine years ago–of The Annual GMGK Golf Outing. This event was the highlight of every summer.

Charles and Barbara were married on January 7th, 1967. Together, they enjoyed trips to interesting and historical destinations. Dining out was a pastime—frequenting favorite restaurants. In 2000 they moved to a nearly century-old home in West Akron, where they lovingly transformed it into a gathering place for family and friends. Grandkids would tell you their favorites are Christmas Eves, 4th of July picnics, and the annual Easter egg hunt in their backyard.

Charles was the original “girl-dad.” He was a great Girl Scout father and dance dad. For ten years, the Field High School Marching Band members all listened for “Mr. G” to yell “Go get ‘em Gardsmen” right before their competition performances began. He was a proud Band Booster and served as President.

Once Charles became a grandparent, his opportunities to attend kids’ events grew exponentially. From concerts and plays to art shows and sporting events, there was not a single activity he didn’t relish. He always wore associated colors and ball caps from his extensive collection.

Even when his grandchildren' s activities kept him busy, he remained steadfast in his support and curiosity about his daughters’ pursuits.

Serving others was a hallmark of Charles’ approach to life in various communities.  As a teen, he was an inaugural member of ALSAC, the fundraising organization for Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His support of Saint Jude Hospital continued throughout his life.

Over many years, he was a parishioner at Saint Patrick Parish in Kent, All Saints Parish in Cincinnati, Saint Nicholas Byzantine Church in Barberton, and Saint Hilary Parish in Fairlawn. He expressed his faith through lectoring, eucharistic ministry, the Right of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), parish council, Knights of Columbus, religious education, and taking eucharist to homebound individuals.

Charles was warm-hearted, generous, comical, and kind. He loved talking to people and could strike up a conversation with anyone. This often led to him helping others, especially those most in need. 

Calling hours are Friday, January 23rd from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Ciriello-Carr Funeral Home at 39 South Miller Road in Fairlawn. 

Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Hilary Parish at 2750 West Market Street in Fairlawn. Reverend Steve Brunovsky presiding.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital. www.stjude.org. 

When you have a moment, toast Charles with a donut and a Diet Coke, or by watching his favorite Western Tombstone.

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