Charles J. Bauer, 72, of Whitehall, died March 14, 2014, at Manor Care, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Maria A. (Camody) Bauer for 53 years.

Born in Coplay, he was a son of the late Charles F. and Mary M. (Molassa) Bauer.

He was a 1960 graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School.

He was the director of HMS Ambulance Corp and the Whitehall-Coplay Ambulance. He was the proprietor of the former Sunrise Coffee Inc. and the Danielsville Hotel in the 1970s. A drummer, he was the band leader of the former Universals and the Fabulous Five.

He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whitehall, and of its Holy Name Society.

He was an Eagle Scout. He was a member of the former Coplay Rotary Club and the Whitehall Kiwanis.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Deborah and her husband Richard Bassett of Nazareth, MaryAnn and her husband Scott Christman Sr. of Whitehall, Charles N. of Denver, Colo. and Nicole of Whitehall; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mary A. Hobel of S.C.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Lehigh Valley Hospice, both c/o the funeral home, 327 Chestnut St., Coplay, 18037.

Arrangements were made by Robert A. Hauke Funeral Home Inc.