Obituary of Charles Franklin Lenhart, Jr.

Charles Franklin Lenhart, Jr. Age 85, of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 20, 2017 at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. Chuck was born October 1, 1931 in York, PA where he learned to be a presser in the dry cleaning business at an early age. He left Pennsylvania as a young man, traveling the country applying his trade along the way. He arrived in Joliet, where he was hired as a presser by Carmino and Victor Gallo who operated the Rialto Cleaners in downtown Joliet. Through that association, he met the beautiful Miss Rose Gallo, who became his beloved wife on January 23, 1952. Chuck and Rose were married 60 years until her passing October 27, 2012. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Charles F. and Amy (Blouse) Lenhart, Sr.; one brother, Bruce; and one sister, Doris. Charles Lenhart was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean War. He owned and operated his own dry cleaning business, Orchid Cleaners on Washington Street in Joliet, for many years, and was a well respected businessman. He was also a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. His wife Rose, who did not drive, was an active member of and volunteer for many organizations throughout the Joliet community. Chuck will be remembered for faithfully driving and accompanying Rose to her many activities. His wife's family became his own and he will be dearly missed by all the members of the Gallo family including the many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great-grand nieces and nephews to whom he was lovingly known as "Uncle Chuck." Visitation for Charles F. Lenhart, Jr. will be held Wednesday, February 22, 2017 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, 1201 Wyoming Avenue, Joliet, and will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in the Our Lady of Angels Chapel. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the Gallo-Lenhart Scholarship at Lewis University, One University Parkway, Romeoville, IL 60446 would be appreciated. Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com