Charles "Chuck" Garrett, a longtime Hermitage resident and businessman, passed away peacefully at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015, in his home after an extended illness. He was 84. Mr. Garrett was born Sept. 30, 1930, in Sharon, one of three children to Ralph and Margaret (Diefenderfer) Garrett. He was a 1948 graduate of Sharon High School and served with the Coast Guard. Having a passion for automobiles, he completed courses at the General Motors Institute, Detroit. Chuck began his automotive career during the mid-1950s as the owner-operator of Garrett's Garage, which provided towing services, radiator cleaning, gasoline, state inspection and mechanical services. He also bought and sold cars, trucks and motor homes. He later owned and operated a fleet of school buses, providing quality transportation for students in Hermitage. Chuck served several terms as president of the Pennsylvania Independent Automobile Dealers Association and was a strong advocate in Harrisburg for school bus safety. During the 1950s, he was a NASCAR driver and raced throughout the country, qualifying for Grand Nationals, and later was a racing official for USAC (United States Auto Club). Chuck also enjoyed flying and owned an airplane years ago. He earned his private and commercial pilot licenses with several ratings and had the distinction of flying Pennsylvania Gov. Richard Thornburgh over the area after the devastating tornados that struck Mercer County in 1985. Chuck served on the board of trustees at what was then Shenango Valley Osteopathic Hospital in Farrell, and was a member of the Oakwood Cemetery board of directors. He was a former member of Hermitage Rotary and the Hermitage Volunteer Fire Department. Chuck was an active member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Hermitage, where he served as a deacon and elder. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, the former Mary Lou Kawana, whom he married Feb. 6, 1954, at the residence; four daughters, Lori Morganti and her husband Ray, Tampa, Fla.; Jayne Garrett and her husband Daniel Courtney, Shirley, Mass.; Diane Miller and her husband Byran, Transfer; and Kerry Garrett Kushner, Jensen Beach, Fla.; and seven grandchildren, Ashley Morganti, Lynsey Morganti, Alexandra Miller, Jordan Kushner, Carson Miller, Chloe Courtney and Kendall Kushner. He also leaves brothers- and sisters-in-law, Nick and Donna Komocsin, Hollywood, Fla.; Carol Miklos, Hermitage; Yvonne Garrett, Willow Grove, Ohio, and Pat Kawana, Richmond, Virginia; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jane Bingham; and a brother, John Garrett. Chuck will be remembered by many for his many good deeds behind the scenes and his humble way. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to either St. Paul's United Church of Christ endowment fund, 159 Todd Ave., Hermitage, PA 16148; or Meals on Wheels, in care of Christ Lutheran Church, 396 Buhl Blvd., Sharon, PA 16146. Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday (8-5-15) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (8-6-15) in St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Hermitage, with the Rev. David Williamson, pastor, officiating. Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.