BRUECKMAN

CHARLES WILLIAM

Charles ("Charley", "Charlie", "Chuck") William Brueckman of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, at the age of 90. Charles "Chuck" was born on November 23, 1935, in McKees Rocks, PA, to Pearl E. and Charles A. Brueckman. From an early age, Chuck demonstrated exceptional athletic ability, determination, and leadership. In 1953, he graduated from Stowe High School, where he maintained a B average while excelling in football and baseball. He earned two tryouts with the Pittsburgh Pirates before accepting a four-year football scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. At Pitt, Chuck played offensive center and defensive linebacker from 1953 through 1957. He earned varsity letters in football in 1955, 1956, and 1957, was elected team co-captain during his senior season, and received All-American honors in 1957. His outstanding collegiate career was highlighted by appearances in some of the nation's most prestigious postseason bowl and all-star games, including the 1955 Sugar Bowl and the 1956 Gator Bowl with Pittsburgh; the 1957 East-West Shrine Game in San Francisco; the Hula Bowl in Hawaii; and the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL. That same year, Chuck was selected in the ninth round of the 1957 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers and was traded to the Washington Redskins in 1958. Chuck graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in January 1958 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He was also commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Infantry after completing the Basic Infantry Officer Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. He served on active duty from February through August 1958 and continued serving in the Army Reserve until receiving an honorable discharge in 1968 with the final rank of captain. Following his military service, Chuck resumed his professional football career with the Washington Redskins as a middle linebacker, where he called the defensive signals. In 1959, he was traded to the New York Giants, where he attended training camp and played in six preseason games. In 1960, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers during the inaugural season of the American Football League. As the team's starting middle linebacker and defensive captain, he once again called the defensive signals before a shoulder injury brought his professional football career to an end. Chuck then built a successful career in sales. He worked for Ashland Oil Company in Buffalo and Homer, New York, from 1961 to 1970, including representing Valvoline products throughout New England. From 1970 to 1974, he worked for Mobil Oil Company in Richmond and Roanoke, VA. He later joined Ridge Homes in Charlotte, NC, where he worked from 1974 to 1983, followed by various sales positions until his retirement. On April 17, 1992, Chuck married his college sweetheart, Judith Reynolds Brueckman. Together, they built their home in Charlotte. Chuck retired in 1993 and enjoyed golfing, reading, crossword puzzles, and traveling throughout the United States and abroad with his wife. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl E. and Charles A. Brueckman; his wife, Judith Reynolds Brueckman; his sister, Joann Janney; and his daughter, Deborah. He is survived by his brother, James Brueckman; his daughters, Pamela B. Morgan and Caulette B. Gilfoil; his stepchildren, Karol Tart, Mary Romano, Mark Kiefer, and Rod Kiefer; eight step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory. Chuck will be remembered for his integrity, quiet strength, leadership, distinguished military service, remarkable athletic achievements, dedication to his family, and the lasting friendships he built throughout his life. His legacy is one of perseverance, humility, service, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Arrangements are by WILSON FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICE, Charlotte, NC.