Charles George Lamelza, age 73, of Lansdale, died peacefully surrounded by his family at his home, on Saturday, November 28th, 2020. He had been in failing health over the past few years. He was born on December 18th, 1946, in Lansdale, PA at Lansdale Hospital. He was the son of the late Mary Malack Lamelza and George Lamelza.
Known to his family and friends as Chuck, he was a lifelong resident of Lansdale, PA. As a child, he developed a love of sports. He enjoyed playing baseball and golf, but his true love was the game of basketball. His first basketball hoop was a peach basket where he began to master the craft of his jump shot. Chuck graduated from Lansdale Catholic High School in 1964. He had many wonderful classmates from Lansdale Catholic with many of them being life-long friends. He always spoke about the days of playing for formers Philadelphia 76ers coach Jim Lynam at Lansdale Catholic. His 1964 championship team was recognized at halftime of a Lansdale Catholic basketball game along with their coach Jim Lynam back in 2014 marking the 50th anniversary of this team. Chuck went on to play college basketball and baseball at Hagerstown Community College as well as York College where he received his Bachelors degree in Business Administration. Chuck led the basketball team at Hagerstown Community College in scoring during the 1969-70 season. His superior play earned him ALL-Maryland Junior College honors. In 2008, Chuck was inducted into the Hagerstown Community College Hall of Fame. He also served as assistant athletic director at York College from 1973-74. But through all of his studies and athletics, it was at Hagerstown Community College where he met his wife Victoria. Chuck and Victoria just recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary back in March of 2020.
Upon graduating from York College, Chuck spent most of his working career with Prudential Insurance Company where he had various roles as a sales representative as well as a sales manager. While he enjoyed many years with Prudential, his true passion was working in the CYO at St. Stanislaus School in Lansdale where his children went to school. He devoted many countless hours as an Athletic Director at St. Stanislaus as well as a coach. In many of the summer months, he was able to run a basketball camp for the children of the school and community to improve their skills. Chuck continued to serve the sport of basketball as a referee for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association through much of his career as well.
Chuck was a true family man. His favorite destination was Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with his family along with multiple trips to The Basketball Hall of Fame. He loved family picnics and took much pride in making sure everyone attended. He always took an active role in his children’s live as well as his grandchildren. Chuck was a huge Boston Celtics fan and was able to make it to some of their games with his friends over the years at the Boston Garden. When it came time for College playoffs, March Madness, you would find him on the couch following his brackets. While music was secondary to sports, Chuck loved the music of The Temptations and The Four Tops. He also spent a lot of time golfing with his friends over the years as well.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years Victoria, 3 loving children, Chuck Lamelza (Peggy), Chad Lamelza (Joanna), and Amanda Saitta, (Dan). Chuck is also survived by his 3 grandchildren, Luca, Dylan, and Bianna.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass on Monday, December 7th, 2020 at 10:30 AM, at St. Stanislaus Church, 51 Lansdale Avenue, Lansdale, PA 19446, where the family will greet friends from 10 to 10:25 in, Church Prior to Mass. Interment will be at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Lansdale. In the interest of keeping everyone safe, masks and social distancing will be required. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chuck’s name to Mater Dei Catholic School, 493 East Main Street, Lansdale, PA 19446.