Charles David "Buzz" Chatham Obituary (1940 - 2026)

Charles David “Buzz” Chatham, 85, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, following a battle with cancer. Buzz was born October 24, 1940, in Erie, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Charles C. “Bud” Chatham Jr. and Emily Mae Rodebaugh Chatham. He grew up in Lawrence Park and graduated from Lawrence Park High School. Buzz came from a family with deep roots in the business community of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio. As a young man, he joined his father at C.C. Chatham Co., where he served as Vice President until approximately 1980. Over the years, C.C. Chatham Co. operated a number of retail businesses throughout northwestern Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio, including the Park 5 & 10 in Lawrence Park, House of Fabrics and Yarns, the ABC Store in Cambridge Springs, and the Village Mart in Edinboro. Following his years with the family company, Buzz continued his entrepreneurial career. Beginning in the early 1980s, he operated businesses in the Erie area specializing in drapery installation, upholstery and carpet care, including Clean Carpet Plus, Charles Chatham Drapery Installation, and Chatham’s Carpet Care. Outside of work, one of Buzz’s greatest passions was boating. An avid boater for much of his life, he owned several cruisers over the years and spent countless hours enjoying Lake Erie. He joined the Presque Isle Yacht Club in October 1969 and held numerous positions within the club during his many years of involvement. In 1988, Buzz served as Commodore of Presque Isle Yacht Club. During his year as Commodore, the club negotiated with the Port Authority to obtain additional land and water rights on the west side of the club, an expansion that helped shape the club’s future facilities. That same year, the historic Brig Niagara was rebuilt on the newly acquired property and launched on September 10, 1988, during a major community celebration. Buzz’s many years at PIYC reflected not only his love of boating and Lake Erie, but also his dedication to the club and the many friendships he formed there. Buzz shared 65 years of marriage with his wife, Margaret “Peggy” (Dobson) Chatham; and was the proud father of four children, Richard “Rick” Chatham and his wife, Lisa, Cheri (Chatham) DeBlock, the late Sandra (Chatham) Henry and her husband, Ronald “Ron” Henry and David “Dave” Chatham and his wife, Carrie. Buzz also shared a special bond with his brother-in-law, Charles “Butch” Dobson; a cherished friend and constant source of support to both Buzz and Peggy throughout their lives. He was a much-loved grandfather to Joel “Jay” Anderson, Christopher “Chris” Anderson, Tyler Chatham, Aleisha (Rice) Stahlman, Sarah Chatham, Margaret Chatham, Catie (Henry) Miller, Nickie Henry, Merissa Chatham, Dominick Chatham and Victoria Chatham; and was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren. Buzz was preceded in death by his parents, Charles C. “Bud” Chatham Jr. and Emily Mae Rodebaugh Chatham; his sisters, Ann C. Allen and Delores “Dee” Vazquez; and his daughter, Sandra (Chatham) Henry. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Peggy; his children, Rick, Cheri and Dave; his grandchildren and their spouses; eight great-grandchildren; his extended family; and many friends. Buzz will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his entrepreneurial spirit, his love of boating and Lake Erie, and the many years he devoted to his family, friends and the Presque Isle Yacht Club. His life touched several generations, and the memories created with him—at home, at work, at the yacht club and on the water—will remain with those who knew and loved him. A Celebration of Life honoring Buzz will be held at a later date. Details will be announced by the family. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. Condolences may be sent to www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.