Charles L. Honeywell

Charles Lawrence Honeywell, 84, of Jefferson Hills formerly of Mt. Washington went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 3, 2026 after a hard fought 2.5 year battle with cancer. Born in Springfield, OH, he was the son Harold and Joy Honeywell. He grew up in Prairieville, MI and attended Western Michigan University. He taught Power Technology at Morehead State University before moving on to teach Industrial Arts at Buffalo State University in New York. Because of his frustration with the university system, he studied with the Industrial Areas Foundation in Chicago established by the infamous Saul Alinsky. After completing the program, he moved back to Buffalo to begin community organizing. He later took a position in Pittsburgh organizing with the Shadyside Action Coalition. He refused to use his skills to promote corporate America but instead focused his energies with Blue Collar workers. He organized with The Metropolitan Citizens Organization (MCO) and then the Denominational Ministry Strategy (DMS) that later became the Confessing Synod Ministry. One of his greatest accomplishments was leading pastors and union members in the 1980’s Mon Valley. He was successful in getting help for many unemployed families particularly with the closing of the steel mills. This gained national attention when the documentary, The Fighting Ministers, narrated by actor David Soul, was aired worldwide. A second documentary “Children in Crisis: The Story of CHIP,” available on Amazon Prime, tells how a group of the unemployed workers led by Charles, went to Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church to seek medical assistance for their children. Parishioners were so moved by their story that they began funding in order to help the children of the unemployed. Scott Galloway, the Pastor’s son and documentarian, credits Charles with initiating through the church, the beginning of the Children Health Care Network now nationally known as CHIP. He wrote in a note to Charles, “Your work and heroism led to a program that has helped over 200 million children.” In his later years Charles worked with the East Liberty Chamber of Commerce and as Executive Director of the East Liberty Historical Society. His life was well lived serving others as well as his Lord.

Charles was a skilled woodworker and loved to tinker in his workshop. He could be found fixing anything and everything. His talents included building a wooden strip canoe, designing and making his own band saw, building various jig-saws, and creatively designing many toys for his daughters and grandchildren. Each summer Charles looked forward to taking his camper and heading to the mountains. He was an avid reader.

Charles is survived by his wife of 56 years, Deberah Paige Honeywell, a sister, Alice Honeywell, daughters, Leigh Seabright (Dwight) and Paige Kress, and four grandchildren, Cloe, Henri, Roman and Lincoln. He was preceded in death by his brother, David.

Charles said many times that when he died he wanted a celebration/party, not people in mourning. Friends and family are welcome to join together on Sunday, May 24th at 2:00 p.m. at the West Meeting Center (1204 5th Street, West Elizabeth, PA 15088) for a Celebration of his Life. He wouldn’t be “caught dead” dressing up unless it was absolutely necessary. Please feel free to dress casually and bring a story to share.