Charles Locey Beares III

Pittsburgh - Charles L. Beares, III, 87, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born July 15, 1937 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Charles was the only child to Inez A. Hubbell, a decorated trapeze artist and circus performer, and Charles L. Beares, Jr., a proprietor at West View and Conneaut Lake Amusement Parks.

He graduated from Shady Side Academy and went on to college at Bucknell University where he received his Bachelor's Degree, followed by a Master's in Business Administration at the University of California, Los Angeles. Always staying busy, following his schooling, Charles worked as a stockbroker in Beverly Hills, California, owned and operated a restaurant, restored homes, worked as a realtor and prior to retirement, worked for the U.S. Veteran's Administration in New York City, all while playing an active role in the nurturing and raising of his three children.

After shaking off the shackles of the nine-to-five work day, Charles continued chasing his passions by attending culinary school on Long Island, New York. After settling back into his hometown of Pittsburgh in his seventies, he began driving for Uber to continue to meet people and share his warm and funny personality. At 85 years old, he was not about to hang up his hat. In 2023, he authored and published the book Men Enter Car First, detailing his family's colorful history, including wild stories of his growing up in the amusement park and circus businesses.

Despite having lived in so many places, Charles' vibrant and gregarious personality never left him without friends. If there was ever a person who never met a stranger, it was Charles. While he loved cooking, gardening and reading, his real passion was meeting people and learning about them. Always with an open ear and a funny story, he exuded warmth and humor that drew in all who met him. As in his life and up until his final moments, he laughed and joked with an unforgettable smile that lit up his face, to ensure everyone around him knew how important to him and loved they were. He was a one of kind man whose legacy will not be forgotten.

Charles is survived by his loving wife Nadine (Cruz), daughters Samantha (m. Robert Russell) and Brooke (m. Peter McMorrow), son Christopher, as well as five grandchildren - k, Reilly, Fletcher, Harrison and Finnegan, as well as cousins Janet Von Twistern and George Harton.

While Charles may no longer be with us physically, his spirit will live on in all who were blessed to know him. Until we meet again, Lil' Buddy B from Fox Chapel, your light will shine upon us, and we'll honor you by living fully and finding joy in the little moments, just as you did.