Obituary of Charles Martin Sponsky

SPONSKY – Charles Martin,  80, Jupiter, FL, formerly of Ebensburg, died September 6, 2020 from COVID-19. Born September 21, 1939. Son of Bernard and Evelyn (Dickson) Sponsky. Preceded in death by parents, son Michael and daughter Cynthia (married to Curt) Hale. Survived by his loving wife Carole (Leon) of 58 years; son Craig married to Krista (Myers) and grandchildren Chessa Rae and Cole Michael; brother James (and Janet) Sponsky; sister Peggy (and Robert) Woodburn and countless family and friends.  Chuck is remembered as a passionate and loving husband, father, and coach who made an impact on the lives of many student athletes. His athletic career began with football and track at John Carroll High School in Carrolltown, PA. He attended the University of Richmond on a football scholarship before transferring to Lock Haven State College where he lettered in both football and track. Chuck graduated from Lock Haven in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and in 1965 obtained a Master of Science degree from West Virginia University.  Chuck spent 36 years teaching at Triangle Area HS and Forest Hills HS and coached for more than 55 years at Triangle Area, Forest Hills, Bishop Carroll HS, and Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, FL. He concluded his coaching career at Keiser University in Florida. Chuck’s many coaching honors include coaching the Ken Lantzy and Big 33 All Star Games and selection as Coach of the Year. He was inducted into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the Bishop Carroll High School Hall of Fame, and with the 1960 Lock Haven College football team into the Lock Haven State University Hall of Fame. He and his wife Carole were also recipients of the Bishop Carroll High School Cornerstone Award. Additional coaching accomplishments included a PIAA Class A football runner up title. Chuck also sent 12 scholarship players to Division I college programs.  Chuck was a charter member of the Southern Alleghenies Football Coaches Association and, as the Committee Chairman, formulated the Ken Lantzy All Star Game.  In addition to coaching, Chuck has 26 years of service as Athletic Director at Bishop Carroll High School. During his tenure, he directed three conference changes, engineered facility improvements in the gymnasium, locker room, and football field. He also formed cooperative sports in wrestling, boys and girls soccer, and swimming and implemented the girls’ softball program. Many of these programs achieved great success under Chuck’s leadership, including three state championship titles, three runners up to state championship, a western finalist appearance, and several district and conference championships.  Chuck was a member of Holy Name Roman Catholic Church and the Ebensburg Council #522 Knights of Columbus.  Chuck’s life will be celebrated with a funeral mass at Holy Name Catholic Church in Ebensburg on Saturday, September 19, at 10:00 a.m., the Rev. Fr. Brian Warchola, celebrant, Fr. Charles Amershek, concelebrant.  Friends will be received at Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg  from 4:00 – 8:00pm on Friday, September 18.  Social distancing and masks are appreciated under the circumstances.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chuck’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org.

From the family of Chuck Sponsky:  While we want to celebrate Chuck’s life with his family and friends, we are also incredibly sensitive to the current COVID environment. This virus took our husband and father and we do not wish for his viewing or funeral to cause stress or harm to any of our loved ones. Please do not feel obligated to travel or attend services – your gift to us was being a part of Chuck’s life. The funeral service will be recorded and shared online in the following days.  If you do attend, please join us in taking the necessary precautions such as mask wearing and social distancing.