Fredrick Charles

Fredrick E. Charles, 71, of Greensburg, formerly of Allentown, died Saturday, May 21, 2022, at home. He was born Nov. 22, 1950, in Allentown, a son of the late Charles and Laura Slyman Charles. For 45 years, Fred had practiced criminal law and civil rights litigation. He was rated by his peers and clients as preeminent in legal ability and ethical standards, and was endorsed by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating. He was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh in 1972, where he attained Dean's List honors. He then attended law school at the University of Louisville, where he also attained Dean's List honors. He began practicing law in Allentown in 1977. In July of 1979, he was appointed to the position of assistant public defender for Lehigh County until 1981. At that time, at the age of 30, he was named chief public defender of Lehigh County, one of the youngest lawyers ever to receive such an appointment. In 1991, he was appointed as the solicitor of Lehigh County, a position that he held until 1994. Fred was inducted into the University of Pittsburgh Greensburg Campus Hall of Fame as a standout athlete with the school's first basketball team. He was a sports enthusiast, especially with regards to the Pittsburgh teams. He devoted a portion of his practice to sports and entertainment law and contract negotiations. He served as chief deputy commissioner for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission, overseeing amateur and professional boxing and professional wrestling in eastern PA. He also served as special counsel to professional athletes, radio and television broadcasters and to an NFL football franchise. In addition to his law practice, Fred was a very active member in both the St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Allentown, serving as president on the Church Council and at St. Michael's Church on their council after relocating to Denise's hometown of Greensburg 10 years ago. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepson, Ian Nathaniel Sellers, in February of 1995. He is survived by his college sweetheart and wife since 1990, Denise Albert Charles; brother, attorney Dennis G. Charles, of Allentown; in-laws, Sheriff James E. Albert (Michelle), of New Alexandria, Tracie L. Casteel (Leonard), of Greensburg and Jeffrey Albert (Dr. Rana Ziadeh), of Greensburg; two nieces, Melissa Casteel and Gabrielle Capri Albert and a nephew Lonie Felentzer . Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Fredrick, from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in St Michael's Orthodox Church, 1182 Ashland St., Greensburg, PA 15601, followed by memorial prayers at 8 p.m. Additional viewing will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday in St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1011 Catasauqua Ave., Allentown, PA 18102. Divine Liturgy will immediately follow at 11a.m., with The Very Rev. Archpriest Meletios Zafaran officiating. Interment will follow in Laurel Cemetery, Allentown. Fredrick's family has entrusted his care to the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601, 724-837-0020. For online condolences / directions, visit us at pantalone.com. Natale N. Pantalone, supervisor.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St Michael's Orthodox Church or St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church.