Charles H. May

Charles H. May, 94, of Bedford, died on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at UPMC Bedford Hospital. He was born on January 18, 1932 in Bedford, a son of the late Commodore G. and Ella Pearl (Perrin) May. On April 29, 1957 in Winchester, VA, he married Janet E. (Lamison) May and she preceded him in death on March 24, 2018 after 60 years of marriage. He is survived by five daughters: Teresa Journey and husband Don of Emerald Isle, NC, Cindy Davis and husband Dave of Johnstown, Terri Sechler and husband Terry of Bedford, Laurie Macey and husband Greg of Leesburg, VA, and Linda Salamon and husband Wayne of Frederick, MD; eleven grandchildren: Chris Sechler, Matthew Davis and wife Kate, Bradley Sechler and wife Contessa, Kevin Davis and wife Dr. Chaya Davis, Allison Clay and husband Tim, Erin Bravo and husband Daniel, Meredith Journey, Andrew Salamon and wife Ali, Dr. Heidi Macey (Michael Staton), Amanda Salamon (Ryan Fiste), and Hanna Macey (Mike Landazuri); 12 great-grandchildren: Iris and Anna Davis, Marissa and Samuel Sechler, Luca Davis, Mikaela Bravo, Zoey Clay, Emilia Bravo, Henry Staton, Luke Landazuri, and George and Grace Staton; a sister: Pearl Hammond widow of Richard of Bedford; a brother: John A. May of Bedford; numerous nieces and nephews; and his two cats: Speckles and Mickey, who were two out of the many he had rescued. He was preceded in death by his first wife: Shirley (Truax) May; three brothers: Edward C. May, Tracy Lee May, and Warren J. May; a half-brother: Dr. Homer May; and two half-sisters: Lillian Snell and Susan Clapper.

Charles worked at numerous places throughout his career which included UPS in Chicago while he attended trade school, the Pin Mill, repairing TVs, and working in maintenance at Kennametal for 33 years until his retirement. He was an expert woodworking craftsman, who could do just about everything and fix anything, and enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, especially for family events and holidays. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame, the Yankees, the Chicago Bears, attending AAA Games, coaching little league for many years, and loved his Ford brand vehicles. Charles was always there for everyone and will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Dr. William Shrout officiating. Burial at Bedford Cemetery. Friends will be received on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.