Charles William Brandenstein, Jr.

Please keep the family and friends if Charles “Chuck” William Bradenstein, Jr. in your hearts and prayers. Mr. Bradenstein was 67years of age, lived in Penn, PA, and died peacefully at home on October 29, 2018, of complications from cancer. Chuck was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on July 1, 1951, to Lois and Charles Brandenstein, both deceased. He was the younger brother of Marlene, deceased, and Maxine Ellis, Marlene’s identical twin. Chuck grew up in the Allegheny Valley and graduated from Springdale HS. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in aeronautical engineering.
In 1984, he married Kathleen “Kitty” Bell, and they settled in Penn, PA, where they raised Kitty’s children from previous marriages Shannon Murphy and David Overbeck, and for a short time, Kitty’s granddaughter Leah Overbeck. Chuck also touched the lives of Kitty’s other adult children and grandchildren Krystal, Von, and Harley. Kitty was the love of Chuck’s life and remained in his heart after her untimely death in 1997.
Chuck was employed for many years by Masterworks Paints in Penn Hills and PPG Industries in Monroeville. Over the years, Chuck bowled in leagues at Guys & Dolls, Nesbit’s, and Oakmont lanes. He and Kitty even ran a bowling alley in Marion, VA, in the early 80s. Chuck was an avid reader and music collector. His collection of LPs, 8-tracks, cassettes, and CDs run the gamut—classical, reggae, folk, prog rock, blues, Brit rock, and indie —including favorites such as King Crimson, Frank Zappa, ELP, Lindisfarne, the Hollies, and 10cc.
Chuck leaves behind his beloved Bengal cat, Icky; his sister Maxine Ellis of Cumming, GA; stepchildren Shannon Murphy of Malden, MA, David and Dean Overbeck of New Port Richey, FL, Diane Overbeck of Ozona, FL, Micque Li of Grass Valley, CA, and Lori Canada of Ocala, FL; step-grandchildren, nephews, and a niece; and many dear friends. Chuck was a very loving, sensitive, and loyal “gentle giant,” who will be deeply missed by family and friends. Funeral arrangements are private. Local Arrangements by the John D. O’Connor and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 5106 Second Avenue, 15207, 412-521-8116