Charles R. Barnes

Charles passed peacefully on December 29th 2019 surrounded by family and loved ones.

Pittsburgh born and bred, Charles described himself originally as a teacher who “morphed” into industrial technology education spending 30 years with IBM in various roles. First as a training instructor, then systems engineer, and finally as a major accounts sales executive. After retiring from IBM Charles spent three years with Boeing selling supercomputer time-sharing. Charles remained a great fan of all aspects of technological advancement and loved exploring anything and everything on his computer and smart phone.

Family members will remember Charles for being a scholar and philosopher, as Charles was a voracious reader and a regular contributor in numerous book clubs and discussion groups. He always had jewels of wisdom to offer for just about any situation or topic at hand. As for his philosophy on life, Charles was often quick to reply. “A sense of humor, absolutely,” he said. “Old age depresses many people, but they should think this way: they’re lucky to be here.”

While Charles never considered himself an artist, art classes unlocked Charles' artistic ability where he enjoyed sculpting and drawing for many years creating over 2,000 sketches and drawings. As for maybe publishing some of his work, Charles said he’d never really thought about that. Although, in a sense he did publish, sending pictures monthly to his kids, grandkids and their friends and asked them to critique and choose the best drawing. He took their input, and that helped him improve over time.

Charles was a lifelong fitness buff, with many 10k races, five marathons and a triathlon under his belt (the triathlon at age 60). Charles maintained his strenuous exercise regime throughout his entire life.

He and his late wife Kathleen had four children; Marcia Seidle (David Bugna), the late Mark Barnes, Ann Bracalielly (Albert), James Barnes (Rita); five grandchildren; Melissa Montanye (Aric), Jordan Seidle (Emily), Jeffrey Seidle (fiancée Wendi Blaze), Jacqueline Barnes (fiancé Alex Macedonia) and Michelle Barnes (fiancé Parker Jennette); and three great-grandchildren; Henry and Nora Montanye, and Ella Seidle.

Charles would be the first to say that he had led a full and wonderful life.

Friends invited Friday, January 3rd from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the H.P. Brandt Funeral Home, Inc., 1032 Perry Hwy., Pittsburgh, PA 15237. 412-364-4444. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 4th at 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Charles' memory may be made to Northland Public Library, 300 Cumberland Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237. www.northlandlibrary.org.