Charles "Chuz" Traeger

Charles "Chuz" Traeger, 93, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. He was born on May 2, 1933, in the same city he would call home for his entire life. He was the beloved son of the late Frank and Irene Jones Traeger.

A man of deep purpose, Chuz earned his degree from Duquesne University School of Pharmacy in 1955, before proudly serving his country as a medic in the United States Army during the Korean War time. Upon his return in 1957, he worked at a variety of pharmacies in the McKeesport area, before answering the call to help the ailing Oliver S. Ayers. When Oliver passed, Chuz purchased the pharmacy. He continued operating it under its cherished name for nearly sixty years, ensuring its legacy and the community it served would endure. This was a testament to his dedication, his love of community, and the quiet constancy that defined him.

Chuz was a devout Catholic who loved his family, his work, and his life. From his earliest years, Chuz and his family served the community and church in whatever way they could. That same spirit carried through everything Chuz loved. He cheered on the Pirates and Penguins with equal devotion, shared a deep love of Broadway, and held a longtime subscription to the Pittsburgh CLO and Broadway Series. Chuz was also a self-proclaimed ice cream connoisseur, with rum raisin holding a permanent place as his favorite.

Chuz was always up for the next trip, whether visiting the ocean in his younger days with his family, adventuring to New York City with lifelong friends, or trying his luck at the casino on getaways to Las Vegas or Biloxi, Mississippi with Rita and the kids.

Chuz is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rita Powroznik-Traeger; his children, Sara and Karl; his sister, Susan (Kenneth) Gleason; cherished nieces and nephews; and his beloved grand-dog, Leila. Beyond his family, Chuz leaves behind a community of patients, friends, and neighbors who knew him not just as a pharmacist, but as a familiar and caring face.

Family and friends are warmly invited to gather and celebrate Chuz’s life on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Patrick Church, 310 32nd Street, McKeesport, Pennsylvania 15132. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Pittsburgh, PA.

To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com