Final Salute

Charles “Charlie” B. Mills Sr., 86, of Tyrone, Pa., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Feb. 5, 1937, in Northwood, the son of the late Clarence and Dorothy (Burns) Mills. He married Jeannie McConnell on July 29, 1994, in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Surviving are his wife of 29 years, Jeannie; sons, Jerry Mills and Ron Greene, both of Tyrone, and Mike (Michaela) Flinn-Mills of Erie; and Mike Kelly of Calif., who has been like a son to him; five daughters, Andrea (Luis) Sanoja of Arlington Texas, Tammy Mills of Tyrone, Danni Mills-Bowser of Waynesboro, Inga Olafsdottir of Iceland, and Kelly DeLeon-Sydnor of Philadelphia; 21 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters; a daughter, Jody Tomasello; and two sons, Carlos Mills and Charlie Mills Jr.

Charlie showed how devoted he was to serving his country by starting his military career at the age of 14. He enlisted three different times and was discharged each time due to his age. As a result of his perseverance, he served 31 years total service in various branches of the military, which included the Navy Seabees, California Army National Guard, and the Pennsylvania National Guard. He served three tours in Vietnam with the Navy Seabees as a Petty Officer in charge of the Reactionary Platoon. While there, he helped start an orphanage for Vietnamese children. He received two Purple Hearts along with a Bronze Star, as a result of injuries sustained while in Vietnam.

After being sent stateside, Charlie was assigned as a body escort in Dover, Delaware, escorting our fallen soldiers home. He also served tours in Iceland and Panama. He retired from the Army National Guard, as an in-service counselor and recruiter, in 1994 as a Sergeant Major.

After retirement he worked part time in Bellwood Borough, Gallitzin Borough and Tyrone Borough before becoming Chief of Police in Synder Township and Mont Alto PA.

He always tried to help youths get their lives together and to this day, has had many young men and women come up to him and thank him. He was active in coaching baseball and football and organizing dances for the youth. His assistant football coach was Ron Rivera who is currently the head coach for the Washington Commanders. He has served on the Waynesboro School Board, Tyrone Borough Council and held the office of Constable.

He owned several businesses in Tyrone and started the local Navy Club. He also published four volumes of “Short Stories by Our Local Heroes.” For many years he was responsible for the local Veterans Day parade, and honored our local veterans by putting a section of crosses at Soldiers Park.

A highlight in his life was receiving his honorary high school diploma from Tyrone Area High School at a graduation awards ceremony in 2019.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 at 12 p.m. at Feller Memorial Home, with Pastor Tim Young officiating. Interment will be held in private. Friends will be received Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Feller Memorial Home.