QUEENAN JR.

CHARLES "CHUCK" JOSEPH

Age 95, of Pittsburgh, PA, passed peacefully on December 3, 2025, at his Providence Point home.

Chuck will be remembered for his extensive accomplishments in the legal field and his commitment to the growth and vitality of Pittsburgh but also for his deep faith and unwavering love for his family and friends.

Born in Coraopolis, PA, on August 13, 1930, Chuck was the only child of Marie Dissen Queenan and Charles J. Queenan. Growing up, Chuck was taught the importance of hard work and grit. His grandparents, immigrants from Germany and Ireland, found work as butchers and tailors, while his father traveled as far as Russia to secure a job during the Great Depression.

Chuck attended Mercersburg Academy, Dartmouth, and Harvard Law School. Many others as well as the Post-Gazette capture his legal and civic accomplishments, including helping build K&L Gates into a global firm and serving the city of Pittsburgh. As Chair, Chuck always preferred to work from behind the scenes, allowing others to take credit. He was driven by a sincere desire to utilize his gifts to improve the world around him. Chuck was equally extraordinary as a father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, godfather, and friend. His enduring relationships and powerful sense of community have thrived across four generations. Mr. Queenan's family and friends knew him as an extraordinary man whose every action was rooted in deeply held and consistently lived core values:

Positivity – Chuck was always positive. He taught us that if you can't find anything nice to say, dig deeper. He saw good in the world and potential in those he loved.

Loyalty and Dependability –Chuck despite demanding careers and distance. Chuck attended every baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, eighth-grade graduation, high school graduation, and college graduation. When asked how he managed this he answered with one word: "Priorities." His solemn pledge, which he repeated over and over through the years was, "Remember, I will never let you down." Recently, after his daughter visited him in August, she asked him to promise to "hang in there" till she returned at Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving morning he said to her, "I kept my promise."

Integrity – Having experienced discrimination as an Irish Catholic, he told his family stories of his standing up for a Black football player excluded from an important lunch with a rival team, of having nominated the first women law firm partners, and proudly being among the first to recommend women, non-Christians, and people of color for membership at exclusive all white

and male clubs and leading a major university board to approve health insurance for partners of LGBT staff members. Chuck prioritized what was right, not what was popular at the time.

Generosity – He got all his pleasure from giving not taking and at a time when many focus on accumulating wealth and giving to receive, he gave freely to family, friends, and strangers alike. He gave his time, his attention, his counsel, and his pocketbook. He cared almost nothing for possessions like fancy cars or large houses for himself (Chuck and JoAnn lived in the same house throughout his career), but he got a kick out of providing for others. He was always the one to pick up the check, treat the group, or host a party. He helped so many people in his life, never asking for anything in return. In today's transactional world, this is very uncommon. Chuck was a genuine giver.

Self-Discipline – He never stopped stretching his mighty brain or challenging his aging body. He was a speed reader with an extensive library of books, and he read them all. He watched Jeopardy daily and was a Grand Champion Solitaire player. Well into his 90s, he worked out every day at 3pm on his stationary bike. When he could no longer risk the stairs, he exercised in place. In his final weeks he forced himself, with great effort, to complete his physical therapist's routine. He taught us we could do anything - if we tried hard enough and did not give up.

Kindness and Gratitude – he said that the most important quality to foster, and to find in a mate, is kindness. His frequent prayer before meals was "Dear God, please help us to help others." Recently we overheard him thanking his caregiver for preparing him for bed. Chuck was famous for consistently sending mail to his friends and family, always well-tailored to what was happening in their lives along with a note about why it would be of interest to them. Chuck was always thinking about others. He never missed an opportunity to say, "thank you!" He made those lucky enough to be in his orbit feel seen and appreciated. He made a point to remember their names and those of their spouses and children and what was important to them. Chuck would purposely begin off-hand discussions with young lawyers in the elevator or around the office not to emphasize his intelligence or seniority, but to make sure they knew he cared. It wasn't enough for Chuck to be a leader in the ivory tower, it was the personal that mattered to him. He excelled at lifting up those around him.

In addition to his professional and family lives, Chuck was a devout Roman Catholic and advised Bishops, Archabbots, and Cardinals., actively supporting many nonprofit organizations. Invested as a Knight of Malta, He took seriously the Gospel call to care for the marginalized His grandchildren remember being "cold-called" to lead grace before dinner and arriving 20 minutes early for Mass because "we have many people to pray for."

Chuck is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Von Drehle; his son, Charles J. Queenan III and Charlie's wife, Jeri Eckhart Queenan, and their four children, Jennifer L. "Jenna" Queenan, Charles J. Queenan IV and his wife, Elizabeth Eastman, Max C. Queenan and his partner, Arielle Berger, and Michael J. Queenan and his fiancée, Emma B. Solomon.

Family and friends will be received Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M., at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp., 15220. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, December 12, 2025, 10:00 AM in St. Bernard Church, St. Michael the Archangel Parish. Interment in Mt Lebanon Cemetery is private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to: Holy Family Institute, St. Vincent College, Carnegie Mellon University, Dartmouth College, Harvard Law School, Breakthrough T1D, the Extra Mile Education Foundation of Pittsburgh, or to a charity of choice.

www.slaterfuneral.com