Passed on Friday, 03 July 2020

The Rev. Mr. Charles W. Gelbach passed away peacefully on Friday July 3, 2020.  Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Paula, on October 12, 2019.  He is survived by daughter Sarah DeMichele and her husband Andrew DeMichele, daughter Ellen Foss and her husband Christopher Foss.  Charles was the loving grandfather of Andrew and William DeMichele, and Hannah and David Foss. 

Born in Duncannon, PA, he was the son of the late James and Mabel (Reed) Gelbach.  Charles earned a Bachelor's degree from Ursinus College, and later his Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary.  Charles played the trombone in the Air National Guard Band. In 1962, he was united in marriage with Paula (Olewiler) Gelbach and settled in Madison, CT, where he assumed the pastorate of First Congregational Church of Christ.  Charles and Paula moved to West Hartford, CT in 1971 to raise their daughters, when he was named Pastor of First Church of Christ Congregational.  In 1977 Charles and Paula were hired as the Executive Team of the Immanuel House, a United Church of Christ elderly housing facility in Hartford, CT.  They were honored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in for their work at Immanuel House.

Upon their retirement, Charles and Paula moved to their home in Bremen, Maine and traveled a great deal until calling The Lutheran Home in Topton, PA their final home.

A private Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Lutheran Home at Topton, 1 South Home Ave, Topton, PA 19562. 

To read more please go to:  https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hartfordcourant/obituary.aspx?n=charles-w-gelbach&pid=196464546&fhid=18342