Charles R. "Chuck" Benke, Sr., 74, of Allentown, formerly of Macungie, died March 5, 2015, in Fellowship Manor, Whitehall. He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth A. (Madden) Benke. They celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary Aug. 17, 2014. Born in San Antonio, Texas, he was the son of the late Alvin and Mary Jo (Scherer) Benke.

He attended St. Mary's University, graduating in 1963. After college, he began working for Dun & Bradstreet in St. Louis, Mo. His career stretched across the country from St. Louis to Oklahoma City back to St. Louis then to San Francisco, New York and New Jersey. He ended his career in Allentown, retiring Dec. 31, 1998 as a senior vice president after 35 years of dedicated service to the company.

He was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Allentown.

He enjoyed photography and fishing and was a smiling silent volunteer helping his beloved Elizabeth in mission work in the community. He loved spending time with his family and cherished special days spent playing cards and board games.

He is survived by his wife; sons, Charles R. Jr., and his wife Toni Marie, of Milford, Mich., Theodore J. and his wife Liz, of Doylestown, Daniel J. and his wife Judy, of Hummelstown; brothers, Joe, of Germany, Tony, of San Antonio, Texas; sisters, Maxine Martin, of San Antonio, Texas, Aggie Moser, of Elverson, Louise, of Laporte, Colo.; three grandchildren, Charles III, Catherine and Emily.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the soup kitchen program of the Lehigh Conference of Churches, 534 Chew St., Allentown, 18102.

A funeral Mass will be held 12:30 p.m. March 11 in St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown. A calling hour will be held 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Arrangements were made by the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown.