Charles Thomas Dryden

Friends and family mourn the loss of their beloved Charles Thomas Dryden who passed away peacefully on February 28th. He was 99 years old.

Charles was born February 5, 1922 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His father, Avery, was a dentist. His mother, Evelyn, was a homemaker who enjoyed playing the piano. His older sister, Angela, tragically passed away from rheumatic fever at the tender age of thirteen.

Charles grew up in Carrick. His parents affectionately called him Buddy but everyone else called him Chuck. The family rode the streetcar to and from church, the grocery store, and clothes shopping. Chuck excelled in sports.

The evolution of automobiles fascinated him. He paid $35 for his first car, a 1934 convertible Ford roadster. One night, he drove down a steep hill and the brakes went out. He went right across the highway. Luckily, he wasn't hit. Chuck put new brakes on himself. In those days, it was easy.

Chuck watched men walk on the moon and took a keen interest in Space X. He was handy with electronics and FaceTimed his family. (Although sometimes he held the phone to his ear instead of his face.) Chuck's iPad was a fixture on his lap.

When World War ll broke out, Chuck worked at an ammunition plant in McKees Rocks. Later, he joined the Army Air Corps. After the war, he attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he met his wife-to-be, Harriet Morris. They were married 1947. Their first child, Patricia, was born in the famous Great Appalachian Snowstorm of 1950. Everything came to a complete standstill. The new father trudged hours on foot to see Harriet and his new baby.

Chuck coached a boys' basketball team in Wheeling, West Virginia. A job at a big firm, Westinghouse, was offered. He accepted, and the family moved to Maryland. In 1956, his first son, Dean, was born.

A transfer to the West Coast came in 1964. Southern California
was a wonderful time in his life, with sunny skies, beaches and new experiences. Chuck and Harriet bought a new home and welcomed the birth of their second son, Glen.

By 1970, Westinghouse finished its business in California, Chuck was transferred back to Maryland - Severna Park, specifically. A homebody by nature, he cooked, gardened, coached, and played with the dogs. He retired from Westinghouse in 1986 and spent the next 35 years puttering around the house, bowling, and volunteering for the Elks.

Chuck found great joy from doting on his three grandchildren: John, Joe, and Paige. He was a constant at every baseball or soccer game, school event or happening in their lives. They, in turn, adored him. He was also a kind and wonderful father-in-law to Patty's husband Brian and Glen's wife Peggy.

Harriet loved to travel. She convinced Chuck to go places like the Grand Canyon. They took cruises and laughed a lot. On December 10, 2014 Harriet, his best friend, passed away. They were married 67 years.

Chuck filled his remaining years with family, friends, music, and watching television - mostly comedy, sports, and Westerns. His compassion for his family and friends and love for his family will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Cross Keys Village Brethren Home Foundation or the Elks Club Foundation would be appreciated.

Arrangements are by ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., Manchester, Maryland.