Charles "Bud" Gerenda, Jr., 82, of Pottsville passed away Friday, February 26, 2016 surrounded by his family at his residence.

Born April 17, 1933 in St. Clair, he was the son of the late Charles Gerenda, Sr. and Anna Brotosky Gerenda.

Charles attended St. Clair High School and was a general contractor for his son's construction company.

He was a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville; past member of SCOOP. Bud will always be remembered for dressing up as Santa around the community, Providence Place, and other public organizations. He also enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and Nascar.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Gerenda, Bristol.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Elizabeth M. Lagaza Gerenda; son Charles M. Gerenda and wife Tammy; daughters Patricia Yurkovich, Charlotte Maley, Terri Paulis, and Bonnie Clemas and husband Ed; nine grandchildren Lori, Michael, Ashley and Nick, Trisha, Kristi and Jeromy, Brian and wife Jessica, Taylor, Riley, Carly; brothers John Gerenda, Lititz; Frank Gerenda, Bristol; and sister Anna Gerenda Karmazin, Bristol.

Mass will be offered for his intention Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 11am, St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville. A private internment will take place at Holy Trinity Cemetery, St. Clair. Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, 515 W. Market St., Pottsville has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit SchlitzerAllenPugh.com to leave a condolence for the Gerenda family.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions to be made to Hospice of Central PA 1320 Linglestown Rd. Harrisburg, PA 17110 or American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123 in Charles's name.