Longtime Charleroi Resident Edward G. Rodebaugh Jr. Passes Away at 91

Rodebaugh dedicated 40 years to Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel before retiring and was a devoted family man who enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:03am

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph depicting a serene scene of a man fishing on a riverbank, with soft pools of warm light and muted colors, conveying a sense of nostalgia and the peaceful connection to nature that was central to Rodebaugh's life.The passing of Edward Rodebaugh, a lifelong outdoorsman, marks the end of an era for the close-knit Charleroi community.Charleroi Today

Edward G. Rodebaugh Jr., a longtime resident of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, at the age of 91. Rodebaugh served four years in the U.S. Air Force and then dedicated 40 years to Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel before retiring. He was married to the love of his life, Dolores E. Urda, for 65 years, and together they had four children. Rodebaugh, affectionately known as 'Pap,' was a devoted family man who found great joy in hunting and fishing. He is survived by his four children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his loyal dog, Booty.

Why it matters

Rodebaugh's passing marks the end of an era for the Charleroi community, as he was a longtime resident and dedicated worker who embodied the values of hard work, family, and outdoor pursuits that were so important to the region. His life story reflects the experiences of many in the Mon Valley who built careers at the area's steel mills and found fulfillment in close-knit family life and outdoor recreation.

The details

Rodebaugh was a graduate of Monessen High School and proudly served four years in the U.S. Air Force. After his military service, he dedicated 40 years to Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel before retiring. He married Dolores E. Urda, and together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage. They were blessed with four loving children, Debbie (Rick) Hansen, Eileen (Dave) Pipik, Eddie (Caroline) Rodebaugh, and Tim Rodebaugh, who was Pap's devoted full-time caregiver and with whom he made his home.

  • Rodebaugh passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026.
  • Family and friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2026, at CARL J. SPALLINO FUNERAL HOME in Charleroi.

The players

Edward G. Rodebaugh Jr.

A 91-year-old longtime resident of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, who served in the U.S. Air Force and worked for 40 years at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel before retiring.

Dolores E. Urda

Rodebaugh's wife of 65 years.

Debbie (Rick) Hansen

One of Rodebaugh's four children.

Eileen (Dave) Pipik

One of Rodebaugh's four children.

Eddie (Caroline) Rodebaugh

One of Rodebaugh's four children.

Tim Rodebaugh

One of Rodebaugh's four children, who was Pap's devoted full-time caregiver and with whom he made his home.

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The takeaway

Rodebaugh's life and legacy reflect the values and experiences of many in the Charleroi community and the Mon Valley region, where hard work, family, and outdoor pursuits were central to daily life. His passing marks the end of an era for the area, as residents remember a man who embodied these timeless small-town virtues.