Charles B. Clevenger

Charles Clevenger, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away Monday, April 12, 2021 following a six-year battle with brain cancer. Charles was born in Brooklyn, NY to Ann Ragone Clevenger and Thomas Clevenger. A graduate of Brooklyn Preparatory School and Fordham University, Charles began his career as a writer and editor in New York City. Charles and his wife later moved to Brockport, NY where he was employed by SUNY Brockport, where earned his master’s degree. While at Brockport he earned his PhD from SUNY Buffalo. In 1983 he accepted a position with Connecticut’s state educational system, and in 1984 he accepted the position of Dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Shippensburg University and moved with his family to Carlisle, PA. Charles was eventually hired by Chancellor Dr. James McCormick to start the University Center in Harrisburg. During his tenure there Charles created the Dixon University Center and became its first Director. After retiring from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education he became one of the founders of Harrisburg University. After retiring from Harrisburg University, Charles became an adjunct professor of political science at York College, a position that allowed him to return to his first love, teaching.
In addition to the love for his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends, Charles loved traveling, gardening, painting, and remained an avid reader throughout his life. He was extremely honored to have been accepted as a juried member of the Yellow Breeches Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. He was a member of Harrisburg Rotary where he served as president from 1994 to 1995. Charles was also a Paul Harris Fellow. In addition to his personal and professional accomplishments, Charles also had a lifelong dedication to service, evidenced by his efforts as a foster parent, to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Harrisburg, the Bethesda Mission, and others.
Charles is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jeanne Meschi Clevenger, son David Clevenger, daughter Elizabeth Clevenger Morgan, son-in-law Scott Morgan, and five grandchildren, Natalie Morgan, Emma Morgan, Dash Clevenger, Will Clevenger, and Max Clevenger, sister Ann Clevenger Mega, brother-in-law Ronald Mega, brother-in-law Robert Meschi and wife Patricia Ragone Meschi, sister-in-law Mary Meschi, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Harold Meschi, cousins Andrew Ragone and Charles Tota, and great nephew Richard Sutherlin.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to Autism Speaks, Cleveland Clinic Burkhardt Brain Tumor Center, or Hospice of Central, PA.
A celebration of his life will be held at his home in Carlisle, PA this summer.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory 2020 West Trindle Rd. Carlisle, PA 17013.
To sign the guest book please visit www.HoffmanFH.com.