February 1, 2022

We recently lost another member of the FirstEnergy family due to COVID-19. Charles “Chuck” Kaczmarek, West Penn Power lineman, passed away on Jan. 25, 2022. He was just 35 years old and leaves behind his wife Charlana and three sons.

“Chuck was very passionate about his job as a line worker and had a great deal of pride in doing the right thing at all times,” said Michael Nolf, supervisor, Regional Operations. “The team in Kittanning will greatly miss the energy Chuck brought to the service center. Chuck was a guy who could lift the spirits of his coworkers in the best and worst of times,” Michael continued.

In his spare time, Chuck enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his four-wheeler and most of all, spending time with his family.

During this difficult time, our thoughts are with Chuck’s family and his Kittanning Service Center coworkers. In his memory, the FirstEnergy Foundation is making a $2,500 donation to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, the 501(c)(3) organization chosen by his family.

Employees who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or having difficulty coping during this public health emergency are encouraged to access the Life Resources Employee Assistance Program, or EAP. Free for all employees and household members, the EAP offers counseling, webinars, a variety of articles and a COVID-19 resource page, as well as information on dealing with stress, marital or family conflicts, caregiving, elder and childcare concerns, legal and financial issues and much more.