Charles Joseph Queenan Jr.

Charles (“Chuck”) Joseph Queenan Jr. 95, of Pittsburgh, PA, passed peacefully on December 3, 2025, at his Providence Point home with his son and daughter by his side. Chuck will be remembered not only 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. His father once gifted him a clipping for his “scrapbook,” which stated, “Whether a person wins or loses depends entirely on his own character, perseverance, thrift, intelligence, and capacity for hard work.” This wisdom became a guiding principle throughout Chuck’s life. Chuck attended Mercersburg Academy, Dartmouth, and Harvard Law School. Reflections by Pete Kalis and David Shribman 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 Chairman, Chuck always preferred to work from behind the scenes, allowing others to take credit. He was driven not by the pursuit of wealth or fame but by a sincere desire to utilize his gifts to improve the world around him. Etched on his K&L Gates note paper were the words of Lao-Tse: “A leader is best when people barely know he exists... a good leader who talks little, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: 'We did it ourselves. '”Beyond philosophy, Chuck had an extraordinary memory—one he applied to his profession and the poetry he loved. He often recited poems at the dinner table, recalling them effortlessly from decades past. The Cloud by Percy B. Shelley was a favorite. Chuck was equally extraordinary as a father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, godfather, and friend. His enduring relationships and strong sense of community have thrived across four generations. He achieved this alongside his beloved wife, JoAnn Hawkins Queenan, with whom he shared 77 years of partnership until her passing on April 10, 2021. 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. Chuck's positivity was a choice to see the good in the world and the potential in those he loved. Loyalty and Dependability – Known as the “show-up grandparents,” Chuck and JoAnn prioritized family despite demanding careers and living hundreds of miles away. Chuck met each of his four grandchildren within a week of their births and attended every baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, 8th-grade graduation, high school graduation, and college graduation. At significant family events, he would inquire, encourage, listen, mentor, and, above all, love. When asked how he managed to meet each of his grandchildren within a week of their birth, 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.” His strength of will and determination were present to the end of his life. 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 nineties he worked out every day at 3pm on his stationary bike. When he could no longer risk the stairs, he exercised in place. When he could no longer stand, he used small weights to keep his arthritic hands flexible. 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 & did not give up. Kindness – 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 at bedtime 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. Gratitude - He never missed an opportunity to say, “thank you!” He made those lucky enough to be in his orbit feel seen & 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. Chuck practiced prayer daily, invoking blessings for those in need from the moment he left his driveway until he entered the parking garage downtown. He took seriously the Gospel call to care for the marginalized, actively supporting Our Lady of Grace Parish, St. Vincent College, Extra Mile Foundation, Holy Family Institute, and Hospital Albert Schweitzer in Haiti. Invested as a Knight of Malta, he embodied a deep commitment to serving others with his time, talents, and resources. His grandchildren have joyful memories of being “cold-called” to lead grace before dinner and arriving 20 minutes early for Mass because “we have many people to pray for”. His last grace spoken was “And in serving others, Lord may we, repay our debt of love to thee. ”With Chuck’s work now complete, he rests. To his family, his most precious legacy is love. 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 Queenan, Max C. Queenan and his partner Arielle Berger, and Michael J. Queenan and his fiancée Emma B. Solomon. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp., 15220, (412-563-2800). 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

Link for Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of the Soul of Charles Queenan below.

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