Charles Holotyak

Charles "Hudi" Holotyak, 99, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away on Monday June 22, 2026, at Lehigh Valley Hospice-Muhlenberg Campus. He was born in Fountain Hill, PA, the son of the late Michael and Mary (Havrelchin) Holotiak. He was the husband of Catherine Foley Holotyak who died in 2020. Hudi retired as an engineer in 1988 for the PBNE railroad after 39 years. He was a veteran of the US Navy serving during WWII, and the Korean War in which he played outfield for Navy baseball teams. He was a member of the Bethlehem Mora Club, Panthers AA, 540 Club, the Bethlehem YMCA and the Bethlehem American Legion.

He was a talented self-taught musician (accordion) who played with the Four Knights at special occasions around the Lehigh Valley. He played poker almost every week with friends and taught multitudes to play cribbage. He was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan and in his younger days played baseball, shuffleboard, golf and bowled weekly.

His family was his religion. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Cecelia Fox (Richard), and Patricia Edgar (Dale), 5 grandsons and 9 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by brothers, Stephen Holochuk and John Holotyak, and sisters, Kathryn Socker, and Evelyn Jordan. 

A viewing will be held from 2pm-4pm Sunday June 28, 2026, at the Connell Funeral Home 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 followed by a Celebration of Life at 4pm at the funeral home. Please wear Phillies and Eagles gear to the viewing/celebration of life in his honor if you would like. Also, please think of stories about Charlie/Hudi to share during the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Joe's Kids 6804 Anthony Rd. Bethlehem PA 18017 or Lehigh Valley Hospice 2024 Lehigh St. Suite 100 Allentown, PA 18103-4798.