Chuck Senft - A Legend and Dedicated Public Servant
Anybody from Brookline would immediately recognize Chuck from the picture, even if they didn't know his last name. Serving as the director of the Moore Park, and Brookline community centers, Chuck was a fixture in the Brookline neighborhood of Pittsburgh for more than 50 years.
Charles E. Senft was born in Pittsburgh, in 1933 to Martha [Sirgey], and Aloysius "Bernard" Ernest Senft. Bernard was a steamfitter, and Martha a homemaker. The family lived at 3113 East Street. Located just north of St. Boniface Church on the Pittsburgh North Side, the home has given way to the Parkway North.
Chuck had two older siblings, Elizabeth (Betty) and James Bernard. Their father died in 1937 when Chuck was 4 years old.
Martha remarried Fredrick L. Weston, who was their neighbor in the apartment on Arch Street in the North Side, where the family lived in 1930. Chuck gained 2 sisters, Ginger and Veronica (Roni) from that marriage.
Chuck attended Allegheny High School on the North Side, where he played football.
He left school, and worked to help the family. In 1952, he married Rozella Fox, daughter of Edward R. Fox, and Ruth [Kalb] Fox.
In 1952 Chuck joined the U.S. Army and served until 1955. Among his duties was fitness instructor.
After returning from the Army he held a job as an assistant football coach at Allegheny High School.
It was his next job at the Pittsburgh City Parks and Recreation where Chuck hit his stride, and became the man that so many young people came to know and love.
Chuck's first post in 1957 was at West Park in the North Side. "I produced the first championship baseball team. The City Department of Parks and Recreation and the Pittsburgh Pirate organization honored our accomplishment by presenting us with medals at Forbes Field."
In 1958 Chuck was assigned to Brookline's Moore Park. It was a rough neighborhood. "It was the first time that I encountered the growing drug, drinking and social problems that were developing in the South Hills and at our centers."
Chuck worked hard to establish control of the park. He often challenged the 'toughs' to keep the park a place where kids could be safe and enjoy the facilities. Chuck knew the importance, and real meaning of a "safe space" long before it was fashionable.
Chuck once spoke of rescuing a young boy who was encircled by five older youths. That boy sent Chuck a Father's Day card every year until Chuck's death.
Chuck worked at Moore Park until 1971, when he became director of the newly opened Brookline Recreation Center. Chucked worked there until 2003 when the center was closed due to Pittsburgh City budget cuts.
In his 46 year career in Citi Parks and Recreation, Chuck trained championship teams in track, boxing, basketball, football, volleyball, softball and baseball.
Most legendary is his coaching of the Brookline Boxing Club, which became known as "Charlies Angels" a play of words on the popular TV show. Under Chuck's coaching, the boxing teams won Golden Glove, Silver Glove and Silver Belt championships. Having trained over 8,000 participants in boxing, Chuck has been the proud coach of 500 champions.
Most important about Chuck Senft's legacy, is that he cared for the kids of the neighborhood. When he saw kids getting in trouble, he stepped in and worked with the parents and community. Chuck stayed involved with the community, long after he retired from Citi Parks.
In October, 1981, Chuck was awarded Brookline's Man of the Year.
"I try to assist all the community groups that I can," Chuck said. "I regularly attend and work closely with the Police-Citizens Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Brookline Lions, Brookline Knights Football Organization and the Brookline Little League."
In 2005, Chuck won Pittsburgh Post Gazette Community Champion Award. 2005
"For over 50 years Chuck has worked with youth, teens, adults and drug addicts through the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League. Chuck keeps the participants busy in boxing, baseball, football and sportsmanship. Assisting with juveniles in need of an intervention between parents and children, Chuck has confronted individuals dealing drugs head on and has removed this element from their lives and from the life of the community."
"He's a fantastic guy," said state Sen. Jack Wagner, Beechview, a longtime acquaintance. "He's played a very important role in helping young people; not just providing alternative things to do but straightening their lives and pointing them in the right direction."
Chuck demonstrated in his life, that the common man can make a huge difference in their community, by doing what you love, and caring about the community around you. For this he will be forever remembered and forever loved by all who knew him.
Chuck was preceded in death by his father Aloysius "Bernard" Senft, mother Martha [Sirgey] Senft-Weston, brother James Bernard Senft, sister Elizabeth [Senft] Horner, half-sister Veronica "Roni" Weston, nephews Thomas Gerald Horner and Gary V. Senft, and step-father Fred L. Weston.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Rozella [Fox] Senft, daughter Terry Lynn Senft, and half-sister Victoria [Weston] Schmitt, many nieces and nephews, and tens of thousands of the children and parents of Brookline, who will be forever grateful for his dedication to, and love for his community.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Biography by Harry R. Alexander, resident of Brookline 1960-1984.
Additional facts and references from:
-Clint Burton, Pittsburgh Citiparks, and his website BrooklineConnection
-Michael Bercik, Pittsburgh City Paper
- Dan Sostek, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
To learn more, see:
brooklineconnection /history/Personalities/Chuck
brooklineconnection /history/RecCenter/Boxing
Chuck and some of Charlies Angels reunion, November 2015: youtu /vMcsysCRMVM
Anybody from Brookline would immediately recognize Chuck from the picture, even if they didn't know his last name. Serving as the director of the Moore Park, and Brookline community centers, Chuck was a fixture in the Brookline neighborhood of Pittsburgh for more than 50 years.
Charles E. Senft was born in Pittsburgh, in 1933 to Martha [Sirgey], and Aloysius "Bernard" Ernest Senft. Bernard was a steamfitter, and Martha a homemaker. The family lived at 3113 East Street. Located just north of St. Boniface Church on the Pittsburgh North Side, the home has given way to the Parkway North.
Chuck had two older siblings, Elizabeth (Betty) and James Bernard. Their father died in 1937 when Chuck was 4 years old.
Martha remarried Fredrick L. Weston, who was their neighbor in the apartment on Arch Street in the North Side, where the family lived in 1930. Chuck gained 2 sisters, Ginger and Veronica (Roni) from that marriage.
Chuck attended Allegheny High School on the North Side, where he played football.
He left school, and worked to help the family. In 1952, he married Rozella Fox, daughter of Edward R. Fox, and Ruth [Kalb] Fox.
In 1952 Chuck joined the U.S. Army and served until 1955. Among his duties was fitness instructor.
After returning from the Army he held a job as an assistant football coach at Allegheny High School.
It was his next job at the Pittsburgh City Parks and Recreation where Chuck hit his stride, and became the man that so many young people came to know and love.
Chuck's first post in 1957 was at West Park in the North Side. "I produced the first championship baseball team. The City Department of Parks and Recreation and the Pittsburgh Pirate organization honored our accomplishment by presenting us with medals at Forbes Field."
In 1958 Chuck was assigned to Brookline's Moore Park. It was a rough neighborhood. "It was the first time that I encountered the growing drug, drinking and social problems that were developing in the South Hills and at our centers."
Chuck worked hard to establish control of the park. He often challenged the 'toughs' to keep the park a place where kids could be safe and enjoy the facilities. Chuck knew the importance, and real meaning of a "safe space" long before it was fashionable.
Chuck once spoke of rescuing a young boy who was encircled by five older youths. That boy sent Chuck a Father's Day card every year until Chuck's death.
Chuck worked at Moore Park until 1971, when he became director of the newly opened Brookline Recreation Center. Chucked worked there until 2003 when the center was closed due to Pittsburgh City budget cuts.
In his 46 year career in Citi Parks and Recreation, Chuck trained championship teams in track, boxing, basketball, football, volleyball, softball and baseball.
Most legendary is his coaching of the Brookline Boxing Club, which became known as "Charlies Angels" a play of words on the popular TV show. Under Chuck's coaching, the boxing teams won Golden Glove, Silver Glove and Silver Belt championships. Having trained over 8,000 participants in boxing, Chuck has been the proud coach of 500 champions.
Most important about Chuck Senft's legacy, is that he cared for the kids of the neighborhood. When he saw kids getting in trouble, he stepped in and worked with the parents and community. Chuck stayed involved with the community, long after he retired from Citi Parks.
In October, 1981, Chuck was awarded Brookline's Man of the Year.
"I try to assist all the community groups that I can," Chuck said. "I regularly attend and work closely with the Police-Citizens Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Brookline Lions, Brookline Knights Football Organization and the Brookline Little League."
In 2005, Chuck won Pittsburgh Post Gazette Community Champion Award. 2005
"For over 50 years Chuck has worked with youth, teens, adults and drug addicts through the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League. Chuck keeps the participants busy in boxing, baseball, football and sportsmanship. Assisting with juveniles in need of an intervention between parents and children, Chuck has confronted individuals dealing drugs head on and has removed this element from their lives and from the life of the community."
"He's a fantastic guy," said state Sen. Jack Wagner, Beechview, a longtime acquaintance. "He's played a very important role in helping young people; not just providing alternative things to do but straightening their lives and pointing them in the right direction."
Chuck demonstrated in his life, that the common man can make a huge difference in their community, by doing what you love, and caring about the community around you. For this he will be forever remembered and forever loved by all who knew him.
Chuck was preceded in death by his father Aloysius "Bernard" Senft, mother Martha [Sirgey] Senft-Weston, brother James Bernard Senft, sister Elizabeth [Senft] Horner, half-sister Veronica "Roni" Weston, nephews Thomas Gerald Horner and Gary V. Senft, and step-father Fred L. Weston.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Rozella [Fox] Senft, daughter Terry Lynn Senft, and half-sister Victoria [Weston] Schmitt, many nieces and nephews, and tens of thousands of the children and parents of Brookline, who will be forever grateful for his dedication to, and love for his community.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Biography by Harry R. Alexander, resident of Brookline 1960-1984.
Additional facts and references from:
-Clint Burton, Pittsburgh Citiparks, and his website BrooklineConnection
-Michael Bercik, Pittsburgh City Paper
- Dan Sostek, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
To learn more, see:
brooklineconnection /history/Personalities/Chuck
brooklineconnection /history/RecCenter/Boxing
Chuck and some of Charlies Angels reunion, November 2015: youtu /vMcsysCRMVM
Chuck Senft - A Legend and Dedicated Public Servant
Anybody from Brookline would immediately recognize Chuck from the picture, even if they didn't know his last name. Serving as the director of the Moore Park, and Brookline community centers, Chuck was a fixture in the Brookline neighborhood of Pittsburgh for more than 50 years.
Charles E. Senft was born in Pittsburgh, in 1933 to Martha [Sirgey], and Aloysius "Bernard" Ernest Senft. Bernard was a steamfitter, and Martha a homemaker. The family lived at 3113 East Street. Located just north of St. Boniface Church on the Pittsburgh North Side, the home has given way to the Parkway North.
Chuck had two older siblings, Elizabeth (Betty) and James Bernard. Their father died in 1937 when Chuck was 4 years old.
Martha remarried Fredrick L. Weston, who was their neighbor in the apartment on Arch Street in the North Side, where the family lived in 1930. Chuck gained 2 sisters, Ginger and Veronica (Roni) from that marriage.
Chuck attended Allegheny High School on the North Side, where he played football.
He left school, and worked to help the family. In 1952, he married Rozella Fox, daughter of Edward R. Fox, and Ruth [Kalb] Fox.
In 1952 Chuck joined the U.S. Army and served until 1955. Among his duties was fitness instructor.
After returning from the Army he held a job as an assistant football coach at Allegheny High School.
It was his next job at the Pittsburgh City Parks and Recreation where Chuck hit his stride, and became the man that so many young people came to know and love.
Chuck's first post in 1957 was at West Park in the North Side. "I produced the first championship baseball team. The City Department of Parks and Recreation and the Pittsburgh Pirate organization honored our accomplishment by presenting us with medals at Forbes Field."
In 1958 Chuck was assigned to Brookline's Moore Park. It was a rough neighborhood. "It was the first time that I encountered the growing drug, drinking and social problems that were developing in the South Hills and at our centers."
Chuck worked hard to establish control of the park. He often challenged the 'toughs' to keep the park a place where kids could be safe and enjoy the facilities. Chuck knew the importance, and real meaning of a "safe space" long before it was fashionable.
Chuck once spoke of rescuing a young boy who was encircled by five older youths. That boy sent Chuck a Father's Day card every year until Chuck's death.
Chuck worked at Moore Park until 1971, when he became director of the newly opened Brookline Recreation Center. Chucked worked there until 2003 when the center was closed due to Pittsburgh City budget cuts.
In his 46 year career in Citi Parks and Recreation, Chuck trained championship teams in track, boxing, basketball, football, volleyball, softball and baseball.
Most legendary is his coaching of the Brookline Boxing Club, which became known as "Charlies Angels" a play of words on the popular TV show. Under Chuck's coaching, the boxing teams won Golden Glove, Silver Glove and Silver Belt championships. Having trained over 8,000 participants in boxing, Chuck has been the proud coach of 500 champions.
Most important about Chuck Senft's legacy, is that he cared for the kids of the neighborhood. When he saw kids getting in trouble, he stepped in and worked with the parents and community. Chuck stayed involved with the community, long after he retired from Citi Parks.
In October, 1981, Chuck was awarded Brookline's Man of the Year.
"I try to assist all the community groups that I can," Chuck said. "I regularly attend and work closely with the Police-Citizens Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Brookline Lions, Brookline Knights Football Organization and the Brookline Little League."
In 2005, Chuck won Pittsburgh Post Gazette Community Champion Award. 2005
"For over 50 years Chuck has worked with youth, teens, adults and drug addicts through the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League. Chuck keeps the participants busy in boxing, baseball, football and sportsmanship. Assisting with juveniles in need of an intervention between parents and children, Chuck has confronted individuals dealing drugs head on and has removed this element from their lives and from the life of the community."
"He's a fantastic guy," said state Sen. Jack Wagner, Beechview, a longtime acquaintance. "He's played a very important role in helping young people; not just providing alternative things to do but straightening their lives and pointing them in the right direction."
Chuck demonstrated in his life, that the common man can make a huge difference in their community, by doing what you love, and caring about the community around you. For this he will be forever remembered and forever loved by all who knew him.
Chuck was preceded in death by his father Aloysius "Bernard" Senft, mother Martha [Sirgey] Senft-Weston, brother James Bernard Senft, sister Elizabeth [Senft] Horner, half-sister Veronica "Roni" Weston, nephews Thomas Gerald Horner and Gary V. Senft, and step-father Fred L. Weston.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Rozella [Fox] Senft, daughter Terry Lynn Senft, and half-sister Victoria [Weston] Schmitt, many nieces and nephews, and tens of thousands of the children and parents of Brookline, who will be forever grateful for his dedication to, and love for his community.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Biography by Harry R. Alexander, resident of Brookline 1960-1984.
Additional facts and references from:
-Clint Burton, Pittsburgh Citiparks, and his website BrooklineConnection
-Michael Bercik, Pittsburgh City Paper
- Dan Sostek, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
To learn more, see:
brooklineconnection /history/Personalities/Chuck
brooklineconnection /history/RecCenter/Boxing
Chuck and some of Charlies Angels reunion, November 2015: youtu /vMcsysCRMVM
Anybody from Brookline would immediately recognize Chuck from the picture, even if they didn't know his last name. Serving as the director of the Moore Park, and Brookline community centers, Chuck was a fixture in the Brookline neighborhood of Pittsburgh for more than 50 years.
Charles E. Senft was born in Pittsburgh, in 1933 to Martha [Sirgey], and Aloysius "Bernard" Ernest Senft. Bernard was a steamfitter, and Martha a homemaker. The family lived at 3113 East Street. Located just north of St. Boniface Church on the Pittsburgh North Side, the home has given way to the Parkway North.
Chuck had two older siblings, Elizabeth (Betty) and James Bernard. Their father died in 1937 when Chuck was 4 years old.
Martha remarried Fredrick L. Weston, who was their neighbor in the apartment on Arch Street in the North Side, where the family lived in 1930. Chuck gained 2 sisters, Ginger and Veronica (Roni) from that marriage.
Chuck attended Allegheny High School on the North Side, where he played football.
He left school, and worked to help the family. In 1952, he married Rozella Fox, daughter of Edward R. Fox, and Ruth [Kalb] Fox.
In 1952 Chuck joined the U.S. Army and served until 1955. Among his duties was fitness instructor.
After returning from the Army he held a job as an assistant football coach at Allegheny High School.
It was his next job at the Pittsburgh City Parks and Recreation where Chuck hit his stride, and became the man that so many young people came to know and love.
Chuck's first post in 1957 was at West Park in the North Side. "I produced the first championship baseball team. The City Department of Parks and Recreation and the Pittsburgh Pirate organization honored our accomplishment by presenting us with medals at Forbes Field."
In 1958 Chuck was assigned to Brookline's Moore Park. It was a rough neighborhood. "It was the first time that I encountered the growing drug, drinking and social problems that were developing in the South Hills and at our centers."
Chuck worked hard to establish control of the park. He often challenged the 'toughs' to keep the park a place where kids could be safe and enjoy the facilities. Chuck knew the importance, and real meaning of a "safe space" long before it was fashionable.
Chuck once spoke of rescuing a young boy who was encircled by five older youths. That boy sent Chuck a Father's Day card every year until Chuck's death.
Chuck worked at Moore Park until 1971, when he became director of the newly opened Brookline Recreation Center. Chucked worked there until 2003 when the center was closed due to Pittsburgh City budget cuts.
In his 46 year career in Citi Parks and Recreation, Chuck trained championship teams in track, boxing, basketball, football, volleyball, softball and baseball.
Most legendary is his coaching of the Brookline Boxing Club, which became known as "Charlies Angels" a play of words on the popular TV show. Under Chuck's coaching, the boxing teams won Golden Glove, Silver Glove and Silver Belt championships. Having trained over 8,000 participants in boxing, Chuck has been the proud coach of 500 champions.
Most important about Chuck Senft's legacy, is that he cared for the kids of the neighborhood. When he saw kids getting in trouble, he stepped in and worked with the parents and community. Chuck stayed involved with the community, long after he retired from Citi Parks.
In October, 1981, Chuck was awarded Brookline's Man of the Year.
"I try to assist all the community groups that I can," Chuck said. "I regularly attend and work closely with the Police-Citizens Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Brookline Lions, Brookline Knights Football Organization and the Brookline Little League."
In 2005, Chuck won Pittsburgh Post Gazette Community Champion Award. 2005
"For over 50 years Chuck has worked with youth, teens, adults and drug addicts through the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League. Chuck keeps the participants busy in boxing, baseball, football and sportsmanship. Assisting with juveniles in need of an intervention between parents and children, Chuck has confronted individuals dealing drugs head on and has removed this element from their lives and from the life of the community."
"He's a fantastic guy," said state Sen. Jack Wagner, Beechview, a longtime acquaintance. "He's played a very important role in helping young people; not just providing alternative things to do but straightening their lives and pointing them in the right direction."
Chuck demonstrated in his life, that the common man can make a huge difference in their community, by doing what you love, and caring about the community around you. For this he will be forever remembered and forever loved by all who knew him.
Chuck was preceded in death by his father Aloysius "Bernard" Senft, mother Martha [Sirgey] Senft-Weston, brother James Bernard Senft, sister Elizabeth [Senft] Horner, half-sister Veronica "Roni" Weston, nephews Thomas Gerald Horner and Gary V. Senft, and step-father Fred L. Weston.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Rozella [Fox] Senft, daughter Terry Lynn Senft, and half-sister Victoria [Weston] Schmitt, many nieces and nephews, and tens of thousands of the children and parents of Brookline, who will be forever grateful for his dedication to, and love for his community.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Biography by Harry R. Alexander, resident of Brookline 1960-1984.
Additional facts and references from:
-Clint Burton, Pittsburgh Citiparks, and his website BrooklineConnection
-Michael Bercik, Pittsburgh City Paper
- Dan Sostek, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
To learn more, see:
brooklineconnection /history/Personalities/Chuck
brooklineconnection /history/RecCenter/Boxing
Chuck and some of Charlies Angels reunion, November 2015: youtu /vMcsysCRMVM
Family Members
Flowers
Advertisement
See more Senft memorials in:
Advertisement
