Charles E. "Butch" Lerch

Charles E. Lerch, 82, died peacefully on January 26, 2023, in Myrtle Beach, S.C.  Known as "Butch" to his family, Chuck was born on June 23, 1940 in Harveys Lake, Pa. to Charles F. and Jennie Lee Lerch, and was the eighth of nine children. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Clarksboro, N.J. Chuck graduated from Swedesboro High School and was a standout four-sport athlete. The first in his family to attend college, he received a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University where he was a star halfback on the football team and captain his senior year. He later earned a master's degree from Glassboro State College. 

Chuck was a lifelong educator, starting as an English teacher and serving as a driver education teacher, department chair, vice principal, curriculum director, and director of secondary education. He was head football coach at Kingsway High School, an assistant coach at the University of Pennsylvania, and also coached his sons’ midget football teams. He had a positive impact on countless students, athletes, and colleagues in South Jersey.  He retired first to Mountain Top, Pa., and later moved to Myrtle Beach. 

His stint as head football coach at Kingsway epitomized his character, skills, and personality.  Chuck’s teams had winning records in 5 of his 6 years at the helm and would routinely pull off upsets through a combination of preparation, strategy, teamwork, and trickery. He earned the respect and loyalty of his players by never playing favorites and maintaining a positive attitude. 

As a father, Chuck instilled values of responsibility, toughness, hard work, and fair competition.  He was a source of pride and security, a dependable sounding board, and an unwavering supporter of his sons.

Chuck is survived by his sons Chuck and Michael Lerch; brothers Walter and Ronald Lerch; sister Lillian Kier; grandchildren Caroline, Cassandra, Anna, and Ellie Lerch; and stepchildren Kay Sollenberger, Gay Corley, and Cyndi Carpenter. He was predeceased by his wife Kay Margo Lerch, sisters Mary Flanagan and Isabella Frye, and brothers Robert, William, and Joseph Lerch.

A celebration of life will be held in Myrtle Beach in April.

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