Charles Deger

Charles "Chuck" Deger, 76, died Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Chuck was born in Akron on May 16, 1949, and was a lifelong area resident. He attended St. Paul Elementary School. Beginning early in his youth, Chuck had an innate sense of right and wrong, and was moved to speak out for his convictions. His commitment to justice never wavered. He attended Archbishop Hoban High School, where he played football and graduated in 1967. Shortly after starting college, Chuck was drafted to the US Air Force and served in Korea and Guam. Upon returning to the States, Chuck was a hippie and worked at the loading docks in Akron. He went from the loading docks to a career in the trucking industry. Chuck moved around the country for his job, living in Indiana when he had his daughter, Colleen in 1989. He married Kathleen Ciborek in 1996, and together, they moved home to Akron, where he retired.

Chuck was a longtime member of St. Paul Catholic Church. His faith was foundational to his life, and Chuck was driven by his commitment to seeing God in all people. Chuck's suffering helped deepen his faith. His physical limitations didn't diminish his spirit, if anything he was more attuned with the Jesus in others. He dedicated his retirement to the service of others, working for social justice and caring for those in need. He was an active member of the Catholic Commission. Among his many projects there, Chuck helped facilitate the Commission's Tents of Hope for Darfur project locally in the 2000s. He especially had a passion for serving the homeless and would often volunteer at the Peter Maurin Center. Chuck was a people-person and enjoyed getting to know new people through his service. His deep faith and relationship with God were lived out in his encounters with others.

Though Chuck was so acutely aware of the pain in the world, he was also able to delight in the many blessings we have on this earth. Chuck loved his family: his wife, daughter and granddaughters. He had a particular fondness for peanut butter, ice cream and coffee. Chuck loved music and would often break out into song, changing the original lyrics to meet the situation. He had a quick wit and uncanny sense of humor. Chuck's grin was ever-present on his face, revealing his goofy and ornery nature to the world. He was strong and feisty, thoughtful and sweet, kind and deeply loving. He was one of the good guys.

He was preceded by his parents Elpha Marie and Clarence Deger; brothers Dave, Ronny, Jerry, Kevin and Danny; and sister Terry Hartman. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen; daughter Colleen (Gene) Hanas; granddaughters Amelia and Jorie; sisters Marsha Porter and Cindy Deger; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Monday, December 22, from 4-7PM at the Anthony Funeral Homes - Akron Chapel, 1990 S Main St, in Akron, where a rosary will be prayed at 6:30PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 23 at 11AM at St. Paul Parish, 1580 Brown St. in Akron. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Democracy NOW! (https://www.democracynow.org/ ) or to the Peter Maurin Center, Matthew 8:20 Ministry, P.O. Box 1105, Hudson OH 44236 (https://www.petermaurincenter.com/matthew-8-20-outreach-program/).