Charles Edwin Hartsoe October 3, 1929 - May 15, 2022

Charles Edwin Hartsoe, Professor Emeritus, passed away Sunday, May 15, 2022, surrounded by his loving family in the In-patient Hospice Unit of Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA. He was the beloved husband of the late Joyce (Wright) Hartsoe.  Born October 3, 1929, in Bluefield, West Virginia, he was a son of the late Watson Franklin and Lilly B. (Stuart) Hartsoe. He was predeceased by siblings Doris Hartsoe Eggleston, Franklin Hartsoe and Donald Hartsoe.

Charles served with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1948 – 1952. He was a graduate of Beaver H.S., Springfield College and received his MS and PhD from the University of Illinois.

On June 10, 1956, Charlie married the love of his life, Joyce, immediately following their graduation ceremony from Springfield College. Throughout their sixty-four years of marriage, Charlie, Joy and their family had the opportunity to live in many places and meet special friends throughout their journey which included Bayville, Long Island, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Champaign, Ill, State College, PA, Ft. Washington, PA, Richmond, VA, Knoxville, TN and most recently Allentown, PA.

Dr. Hartsoe was a Higher Education Educator in the Field of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. He was a Professor at the University of Illinois, Penn State University, Temple University and Virginia Commonwealth University. Charlie was well respected by his many students. He was an exceptional mentor in helping his students establish their careers. He served as Assistant Executive Director for the New York Recreation Association in New York City and was an Administrative Analyst for the City of Philadelphia.

Dr. Hartsoe was considered one of the top authorities in the field of parks and recreation in the country. In addition to authoring numerous articles and publications, Dr. Hartsoe wrote several books during his career including Play For America, Profiles in Leadership, Building Better Communities, and The History of the National Recreation and Park Association. Dr. Hartsoe served in various capacities with many organizations: Past President of the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration, Past President Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, Board of Trustee member of the National Recreation and Park Association, Executive Director of the National Recreation Foundation, Founding member and former Chairman of the Joseph Lee Memorial Library.

Charlie’s untiring vision, dedication and passion to shaping the National Recreation and Park Association were recognized with the following professional awards: Charles Brightbill Award, Beatrice & Robert Everly Award, Ralph Wilson Award, Academy of Parks and Recreation Award, National Distinguished Professional Award – NRPA, Greater Richmond Tourism Award, Life Trustee Award – National Recreation and Park Foundation, and The Honorable Cornelius Amory Pugsley Award.

Charlie was a loving, kind and generous man who enjoyed spending time with his family.  His excellent sense of humor brought smiles to everyone.  Charlie and his wife Joyce enjoyed many wonderful national and international travels during their 64 years of marriage, with The Greenbrier Resort being a favorite.

Survivors: Children: Wendy Sendef Lesher, Mark Charles Hartsoe, Timothy Wright Hartsoe; Grandchildren: David Sendef, Amy Sendef Johnson, Watson Hartsoe, Henry Hartsoe, Theodore Hartsoe, Nicholas Hartsoe, Kaitlin Hartsoe Shealy; Great-grandchildren: Maximus Johnson, Kadian Johnson, Eden Sendef, Willow Sendef, Miles Shealy.

There will be a private burial in Long Island, New York at a future date. Arrangements by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. www.stephensfuneral.com.