Charles W. Confer, 71, of Newton, passed away on Thursday (May 5, 2011) at Wesley Medical Center.
He was born on June 8, 1939, in Rimersburg, Pa., to Andrew and Elsie Mae (Priester), who proceeded him in death. He graduated from the Milton Hershey School in 1957. He served in the Army and Navy before beginning a 21-year career at Hershey Chocolate Factory.
He loved people and was an avid reader. He was a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penn State Nittany Lions and Duke Bluedevils. He valued the time he spent with his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He volunteered his time at the Newton VFW bingo on Wednesday nights, calling back numbers and socializing with the patrons. He was a member and past president of the Annville-Cleona Jaycees.
He is survived by sons, John (Lisa) of Hershey, Pa., Frank of Grove City, Pa., and daughter, Rebecca (Edwin) Villadar of Newton. He had eight grandchildren, Lisa Mayer, Joseph Elliott, Dylan Confer, Cequinda Confer-Anderson, Chelsee Anderson, Claudia Villadar, and Audrey and Aaron Confer, and great-grandchildren, Hunter Mayer and Abbigail Mumaw. He also is survived by brothers, Richard (Dixie) and Wally Confer; sisters, Kathy (John) Kormos, Susan (Glenn) Shearer, Betty (Jake) Bobbert, RuthAnn (Chuck) Ferringer and Beverly (Dwayne) Wright. He also is survived by special friends, Larry and Rose Trumble, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, Charles Jr.; a sister, Irene Cyphert; and brothers, James (Pete), Jay, Andrew (Dean) and Vic Confer.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First United Church of Christ in Newton, with a meal to follow at the Newton VFW. Interment will be at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville, Pa., at a later date.
