In Loving Memory of Charles M. Reisinger
November 7, 1949 – May 20, 2025
Charles “Charlie” M. Reisinger, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and educator passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on November 7, 1949, to William F. Reisinger and Martha (Coburn) Reisinger, Charlie lived a life full of love, purpose, and service to others.
Charlie attended the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, where his brilliant mind and gift for mathematics began to shine. He continued his education at NTID from 1969-1971 and then Gallaudet University, where he not only deepened his academic and theatrical passions, but also met the love of his life, Fern (Sklar) Reisinger. Together, Charlie and Fern shared over 51 beautiful years of marriage built on love, laughter, and mutual support.
Charlie’s dedication to the Deaf community shaped many aspects of his life. A gifted and compassionate educator, he taught at The Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD), and spent an incredible 26 years at the American School for the Deaf (ASD). At ASD, Charlie served as the Academic Bowl advisor and proudly founded the ASD Math Bowl, creating a love for learning and critical thinking in countless students.
He was a proud representative for both the Connecticut Association for the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf, where his voice and leadership helped uplift and advocate for the Deaf community nationwide.
His passion for the arts was just as strong. Charlie performed in numerous plays at Gallaudet, including his memorable roles as Ragueneau in Cyrano de Bergerac and Roger Sherman in 1776, and he served as stage manager for many other productions. He also participated in summer school at the National Theater of the Deaf in 1975, where he shared his talents and love for performance with others.
Charlie was a man of many skills. He taught mathematics, civics, culinary arts, and driver’s education. But perhaps his favorite classroom was the kitchen. Known for his irresistible cookies, cakes, and especially his famous cheesecake, Charlie found deep joy in feeding others and celebrating life with food. Through baking, Charlie shared his heart. Every gathering—big or small—was a reason to bake and share.
He was also a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, cheering on his team with unwavering loyalty through every season. Sundays were sacred: Charlie could be seen decked out in his Steelers gear from head to toe, passionately cheering on his revered team. Win or lose, the Steelers had his heart.
In retirement, Charlie and Fern settled in The Villages, Florida, where he remained actively involved with DHHST, TCAD, and TVDSC. Whether playing bocce or card games (always with snacks in hand), Charlie continued to build community and spread warmth and friendship wherever he went.
Above all, Charlie’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted and loving father to Adam and Marcy, and a doting grandfather to Lilah, Elijah, and Zachary. His eyes lit up when he spoke about them, and he filled their lives with unconditional love, wisdom, and pride.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents, his beloved mother-in-law Claire, his brothers James and Bill, and his cherished sister Janet. He is survived by his wife Fern, his children Adam (Katrina) Reisinger of West Hartford, CT and Marcy (John) Fieldstadt of Stony Creek, NY, his grandchildren Lilah Lugo, Elijah (Danielle) Lugo, and Zachary, many beloved nieces and nephews, and a community of friends, former students, and colleagues who loved him dearly.
To know Charlie was to know kindness, loyalty, intelligence, humor, and heart. He was a mentor, a friend, a teacher, a father, a husband, and a fierce advocate. He lived a life rich with meaning, compassion, and joy. His absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled, but his legacy will live on in every life he touched.
Charlie was simply the best. His memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew him.
A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held on July 16, 2025, in The Villages, Florida at the Truman Recreation Center from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and on October 18, 2025, at the VCC Center at American School for the Deaf 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. in West Hartford, Connecticut. Interpreters will be provided.
