Charles A. Tatano Sr.

Charles A. Tatano Sr., proudly of Muse, PA, passed to his heavenly reward on Friday evening, February 27, 2026. Born “Colagero A. Tatano” on May 1, 1933, his first name was changed to “Charles” in school because his teachers could not pronounce the Sicilian version. But to his friends and those that knew him well, he was always “Chuck.”

He grew up and lived his entire life in Muse, PA – a place that he considered to be a small slice of heaven. Later in life, he named his estate on Locust Street “God’s Little Acre,” and, despite being well traveled, he was happier there than anywhere else on earth.

Chuck starred as an athlete at Cecil High School in the late 1940s and early 1950s. It was in this capacity that he earned one of his many nicknames, “Tank,” for the toughness with which he played. Despite being exceptionally intelligent, Chuck was not known for his study habits, and famously bragged that he was only allowed to graduate after his future wife, Geraldine Arcuri, helped him study for specially-administered final exams his senior year. He allegedly performed so well that some teachers thought he had cheated – only to be told by the exam administrators that such was impossible because they had watched him take the entire test.

After high school, Chuck went to work at Forbes Steel Corporation in Canonsburg, PA. During the Korean War, he served his country as a member of the 2nd Infantry Division, United States Army. He remained proud of his military service, and was strongly patriotic. The Fourth of July celebration in Canonsburg was known to be one of the highlights of his year.

In addition to being a proud American, Chuck was also fiercely proud to be the son of Italian immigrants. So proud was he of this heritage, that he often insisted that his pizza be “Siclian cut.” In 2008, he was honored by the Italian-American Society of Washington County as a Distinguished Citizen.

After his time in the Army, Chuck returned to Forbes Steel, where he worked until his retirement in 1981. A serial entrepreneur, Chuck also started many businesses of his own. In 1969, after being told by his wife, “Go get em’ Rockefeller,” Chuck started Tatano Plastics, a supplier/manufacturer of toys for such famous brands as Little Tikes and Combi. Over the many years of Tatano Plastics’ operation, thousands of children found joy in the toys crafted by the hands of Chuck and his team members.

In the 1970s and 1980s, he also owned the Longhorn Saloon, a popular watering hole and restaurant in Muse.

In 1991, Chuck purchased the site of the old Forbes Steel plant in Canonsburg and began a new enterprise – Tatano Wire and Steel. Chuck branded his wire products “Turtle Tuff,” an homage to his brother Alfonso “Turtle” Tatano. The wire mesh that Chuck and his employees fabricated would be used in construction projects all over the country. Over his many years as a businessman, Chuck provided employment to hundreds of people in Washington County and its environs.

But despite his many accomplishments, the thing that Chuck was most proud of was his family. He wore the name Tatano like a carabinieri might wear his dress uniform: It was an honor just to put it on. To Chuck, being a Tatano was like being a Kennedy – only greater. He is preceded in death by so many relatives that there is certain to be a large family reunion at the Town Park in Heaven.

In 1953, Chuck married his high school sweetheart (and perhaps the only reason he graduated) Geradline Arcuri. They remained lovingly married until her death in 1993. Together, they had six children, all of which survive them: Melody (David), Charles Jr., James (Colleen), Jeffrey (Tracy), Brenda (Jamie), and Phillip (Donnise). Chuck also especially loved his numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom he considered his greatest legacy.

In the book of Genesis, Chapter 32, the Bible says that after crossing the River Jabbok, Jacob wrestled with God and would not let go until he had received a blessing (Genesis 32: 23-30). Long an enthusiastic participant in tests of strength (he could do 75 bicep curls of 15 lbs. at age 75), there is no doubt that Chuck Tatano is eagerly anticipating his turn to wrestle with the Almighty – and that he won’t let go until he secures a blessing – not for himself, but for the friends and family that he cherished so much.

Friends and family are welcome from 2 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra LFD, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, where departing prayers will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 4. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Oscar Romero Parish, Holy Rosary Church in Muse. Interment, with full Military Honors by the VFW Post 191 of Canonsburg and the United States Army, in St. Patrick Cemetery, Canonsburg. To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com