Obituary of Charles A. Fick

Charles A. Fick, 78, of Kingston, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren. Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Charlie was the son of the late Charles and Irene Gidich Fick. A proud graduate of E.L. Meyers High School, Class of 1964, he excelled as an All-Scholastic football and baseball player. He went on to become a standout football player at Wilkes College, playing a pivotal role in the legendary "Golden Horde" era when the Colonels won 32 consecutive games, secured three Middle Atlantic Conference Championships, posted three undefeated seasons, and claimed two Lambert Cup Trophies. Charlie proudly served in the Army National Guard for six years before dedicating his career to education and coaching. As a mathematics teacher at G.A.R. Memorial High School, he not only taught equations but also instilled values of discipline and perseverance in his students. From 1973 to 1980, he led the G.A.R. baseball team to four Wyoming Valley Conference Championships. His impact was even greater on the football field, where he served as head coach from 1980 to 1997, guiding his team to 6 Wyoming Valley Conference Championships and three Eastern Conference Championships. A revered figure in Pennsylvania high school sports, Coach Fick was inducted into both the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. The Sunday Independent named voted him “Coach of the Year” in 1982 and 1989. He also coached 5 Unico Football Teams and was an assistant coach in the 1982 Big 33 Game. To his students and players, he was more than a coach he was a mentor, a father figure, and a lifelong inspiration. Beyond his professional achievements, Charlie was a devoted husband, father, and poppie. His family was his greatest pride, and he cherished every moment spent with them. A man of faith, he was an active member of Central United Methodist Church in Wilkes-Barre. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Fick, and his sister, Suzanne Misson. Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Ann Archer Fick; his children, Charles Fick and his wife, Rachael, of Thorndale; Kelly Siani and her husband, Allan, of Exeter; and Matthew Fick and his companion, Sandra, of Wilkes-Barre. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Madison Fick Ferguson and her husband, Brandon; Emily Fick; Zoe and Hanna Prutzman; Brett Fick; Juliana Siani; and Charlie Fick, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 10:30 AM at the funeral home, followed by an 11:00 AM service at Central United Methodist Church, 65 Academy Street, Wilkes-Barre, officiated by Pastor Joseph Ewoodzie. Interment will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Hanover Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 65 Academy Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Condolences may be shared by visiting Charlie’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.