Obituaries

Charles Samuel Kaminsky

11/22/1937 - 06/10/2021

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Obituary For Charles Samuel Kaminsky

Charles Samuel Kaminsky November 22, 1937 – June 10, 2021

Charles Samuel Kaminsky, Altoona, died Thursday after an extended illness.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandi (Handmaker) Kaminsky of 28 1/2 years along with stepsons: Scott Handmaker and Brett (Alisa) Handmaker; step granddaughters: Morgan, Samantha and Jessica whom he greatly adored.

He was predeceased by his sister, Joy (Kaminsky) Goldstein and parents: Morrie and Miriam (Brenner) Kaminsky.

He is also survived by brother-in-law, Stan Goldstein and niece, Jodie Goldstein; nephew, Morrie (Stacey) Goldstein; niece, Jessica Goldstein and husband Allan, along with great nephews and nieces Max and Sara Leeds, Micah and Lily Goldstein and Liev.

Charles spent the major portion of his life career as president/owner of Puritan Cleaners, a business founded by his father Morrie and Uncle Jack Kaminsky. Puritan Cleaners was a business he loved; he could always be found behind the counter meeting and greeting his loyal customers/friends. Puritan Cleaners was recognized and honored by The Chamber of Commerce HALL OF FAME in 2007 for its outstanding and long-term service to the community. In 2015, he retired from the business.

Charles was a 1955 Altoona High School Graduate. Then he earned an accounting degree from Robert Morris School of Business. In typical Charles fashion, he liked to say: "It was a CPA degree in Cleaning, Pressing and Alterations!”

Charles and Sandi were avid spectators/fans and enjoyed attending basketball sporting events especially basketball at Penn State, St. Francis, Bishop Guilfoyle and Altoona High School. He prided himself in being a charter member of Altoona Sunrise Rotary. He loved to travel with Sandi to New York City, Borgata Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, Florida, and other exciting destinations. He served in the US Army Reserves for six years and then was recalled for another year of active duty in the 60’s. He was a lifetime member of Agudath Achim Synagogue.

Donations may be made to Agudath Achim Synagogue: 1306 17th Street, Altoona, PA 16601; Rotary Sunrise Club of Altoona: PO Box 2538, Altoona, PA 16603 or a charity of your choice.

A private graveside service was held.

Arrangements were by E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be made at: www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

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Condolences

  • 06/17/2021

    Sandi - Please accept my deepest sympathies. I have many fond memories of seeing Chuck at Puritan Cleaners. My cleaning was always done timely and very well!! In later years, I would see him at EatnPark - my wife Kim would take her mother for lunch there, and he would always have nice things to say. Gregg Olsavick

  • 06/15/2021

    Sandi - Please accept my condolences. I have so many fond memories of Charles. Your and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. -Charlie Kron

  • 06/15/2021

    Our condolences to Sandi and family. Bob and Linda Reffner

  • 06/14/2021

    Sandi, we are so sorry for your loss of your husband Charles, he was great person and friend. for so many years he took care of the LTPD uniforms. You and your family are in our prayers. Ron and Dawn Heller and LTPD

  • 06/14/2021

    The BG boys basketball team appreciated having the support of you, your lovely wife Sandi and we will miss your smiling face. Praying for comfort for Sandi and family. Our Sincere Sympathy, Stephanie and Chris Drenning

  • 06/14/2021

    He was a wonderful neighbor when we moved here in 1977. His smile was genuine & infectious. He will be missed. Sympathy to his entire family.

  • 06/14/2021

    Our thoughts are with Charles family at this time of sorrow. Our grandsons remember Charles as one of their buddies from Panera Bread.

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Joseph J. Stevens III

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Joseph J. Stevens III