Charles R. “Charlie” Meitzler, Ph.D.
Charles R. “Charlie” Meitzler, Ph.D., 69, of Philipsburg, died Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at his residence.
Charlie was born on May 25, 1957, in Allentown, Pa., a son of the late Charles H. and Elsie (Kleinsmith) Meitzler.
He was a 1975 graduate of Emmaus High School, Emmaus, Pa. Following high school, he attended the Pennsylvania State University and graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics. He attended Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey for his post graduate work and graduated in 1984 with a Doctorate in Experimental Nuclear Physics.
Charlie enjoyed a long and accomplished career as a physicist. He served as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Ohio University following graduation from Rutgers; he was then employed from 1985-1987 as a staff physicist for the General Ionex Corp.; he then accepted a position in 1985 as a Fellow of Accelerator Technology at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, AGS Division; then in 1989 he accepted a faculty position at Sam Houston State University. During his career as a physicist, Charlie was credited with published articles in peer-reviewed publications, research monographs and technical reports, peer reviewed presentations and secured external grants. During his time as a member of the Sam Houston faculty, he served a term as Chair of the Physics Department.
Charlie was of the Lutheran faith. He was a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Among his favorite pastimes, he was an avid Penn State Football fan; enjoyed studying astronomy and spending time with his grandchildren. He was also a certified NRA marksman.
Charlie was married on December 14, 1985, in Athens, Ohio, to the former Lisa E. Lolley. She survives at home.
He is also survived by two sons, Charles H. Meitzler and his wife, Valerie “Val,” of The Woodlands, Texas and Jacob A. Meitzler and his wife, Elizabeth “Liz,” of Bethel Park, Pa.; two grandchildren, Adalynn M. and Jameson A. Meitzler, both of Bethel Park; one sister, Marlene Sebring, of Emmaus; and numerous other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Sandy Ashman and Cherolyn Washburn, in addition to his parents.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:00 am, at the Northwood Cemetery, 101 Harrison Street, Emmaus, Pa., to be followed by a celebration of life to begin at Noon, at the Superior Diner, 102 Main Street, Emmaus, Pa.
Memorial contributions may be made in Charlie’s memory to the Make a Wish Foundation at http://www.wish.org or to the Penn State General Scholarship Fund, at www.raise.psu.edu.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at http://www.beezerheathfh.com.
Charlie’s contributions to mankind included: energy production, cancer treatments, pollution reduction and the shaping of young minds. Many of his students are engineers, scientists, doctors, educators and successful military personnel.
