Charlie Hromada, MS '54, passes away

Charlie Hromada, with his wife, Frankie

CHARLES "Charlie" JOSEPH HROMADA, 76, of Germantown, passed away Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Baptist Memorial Hospital -Memphis. Son of Hungarian immigrants Joseph and Genevieve Hromada, he was born September 1, 1931 and grew up in Pittsburgh, PA.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Master of Science from Purdue University. He went on to have a 45 year long career as an entomologist at Terminix International. Charlie retired as Senior Vice President in 1998.

Over the years, he received many awards from the pest control industry and Terminix International. He was chosen for Terminix Hall of Fame in 1983 and received the National Pest Control Association's President's award in 1997. Charlie courageously battled cancer for over 12 years. His faith, courage, and positive attitude were an inspiration to all who knew him.

He was an active member of Second Baptist Church since 1962. He was also a long time member of Colonial Country Club where he loved playing golf. He followed the University of Memphis basketball team faithfully for over 30 years. Additionally, Charlie never ceased supporting his hometown team the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates, as well as his alma mater's team the Purdue Boilermakers.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Frankie Graves Hromada; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Susie and David McCandless and Patty and Tim Hutchison; five grandchildren, Nicholas and Heather Hutchison, Tricia and Josh Coble, Amy Hutchison, Ashley McCandless, and Malcolm McCandless; two great-grandchildren, Millie Hutchison and Cade Coble; and his mother-in-law, Mae Graves Krotzer and her husband, John Krotzer. Memorials may be given to Second Baptist Church or Wings Cancer Foundation at West Clinic.

The visitation will be Tuesday, February 12 at Memorial Park Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. The funeral service will be Wednesday, February 13 at Second Baptist Church, 4680 Walnut Grove Rd. at 11 a.m. Memorial Park Funeral Home 901-767-8930