Charles A. Nittinger

Charles A. “Charlie” Nittinger, 93, of Sayre passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Elderwood in Waverly surrounded by loving members of his family. Charlie was a 1949 graduate of Sayre Area High School and worked for Stroehmann’s Bakeries in Sayre, before moving to IBM Federal Systems in Owego, NY where he retired in 1987 after 30 years of service. Charlie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who was well known in the community as a guy you could always count on. His sense of humor, wisdom and generous heart will be dearly missed. Whether it was something as simple as sharing his love of fishing, hunting and the outdoors, or as involved as doing electrical work, Charlie’s family and friends knew he would be there to lend a hand whenever he was needed.

He’s survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Margaret (Milliken) Nittinger; his children, Toney Nittinger of Sayre; Kurt Nittinger of Sayre; Karl & Audrey (Loomis) Nittinger of Reading, PA; Jennifer & Mathew Gagliardi of North Carolina; and beloved grandchildren Sarah (Nittinger) & Mike Franklin of London, UK; Elise Nittinger of Washington, D.C. and Lukas Nittinger of Elizabethtown, PA. He’s also remembered fondly by surviving brothers, sisters and in-laws: Jack & Margene Nittinger of Sayre; Joan & Bernard Dugan of Virginia; Richard & Mary (Durney) Nittinger of Montana; Fr. Damian Milliken of Tanzania, Africa; Elizabeth (Milliken) & James Williams of Rochester; James & Anna (Rossi) Milliken of Maine; Joe & Sylvia (Grennan) Milliken of Van Etten; Ann (Milliken) Henson of Maryland and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family across the US and around the world.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles R. Nittinger; mother, Barbara (Miller) Nittinger; stepmother Catherine (Dincher) Nittinger; sister, Mary (Nittinger) Morningstar; sister, Barbara (Nittinger) Moore; brother, James Nittinger and two infant sons.

A lifelong avia on enthusiast, Charlie’s passion for flying was realized during his service in the Navy from 1951-1953, during which he flew as plane captain on the P-2V Neptune and honorably discharged in 1955. His love for flying was rivaled only by his love for nature, which took him on countless adventures, whether in the form of daily hikes in the woods with his beloved canine companions, or on cross-country trips to Montana. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the Stray Haven Humane Society in Waverly, NY, the Animal Care Sanctuary in Milan, PA or your favorite animal rescue. Charlie’s spirit will live on in the skies, in the wilderness he loved, and in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of The Thomas Cremation and Funeral Service, 1297 Elmira St., Sayre, Pa. Those wishing to leave a sympathy message may do so at thomascremationfuneralservice.com

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday July 10, 2025 at 10AM at the Church of The Epiphany in Sayre.

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