Charles Goldy '70 receives Alumnus of the Year
Retired fire captain and master sergeant for the U.S. Army Reserve, Goldy has made it his priority to keep Christ’s Kingdom First in whatever assignment God has given him.
A native of Rockford, Illinois, Goldy majored in business and economics and minored in Bible at Malone. The day after graduating, he joined the National Guard and served with them for ten years. He then transitioned to the Reserves for additional advancement potential, including LPN school with their support. At the same time, he was early in a career with the Canton Fire Department. In 1975, after five years as a volunteer Plain Township firefighter Chuck joined Station 1. He served in both roles concurrently, working in Canton except for a weekend each month and two weeks of training each summer. At locations including Fort Sam, Fort Knox, Fort Campbell, and Fort Bliss, he worked regular shifts and completed training in their emergency rooms, trauma centers, and in field hospitals.
Chuck was one of Canton’s first paramedics, completing his certification in 1976 and maintaining it throughout his career. He also worked for a private ambulance company and Aultman Hospital as a phlebotomist, moving up into a supervisory role at the Aultman Blood Center. He was responsible for setting up blood mobiles, among other responsibilities.
With more time and experience, Chuck reached the ranks of master sergeant and first sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve. During Operation Desert Storm, he was activated at Fort Lee, assisting in their hospital since their troops were deployed overseas. There, he volunteered to run blood drives and led the establishment of a blood donor center for use in the war. He continued to serve in the Reserves until retiring from military service in 1993.
By God’s grace and through his extensive training, Chuck played a role in saving many lives over the years, even resulting in an award from a local hospital for his service to the Canton Fire Department. There, Chuck reached the rank of captain and often served as acting battalion chief for more than ten years. His career on the firefighting force totaled 37 years, culminating with his retirement in 2012. Even after retiring from the fire department, Chuck continued working for Aultman until 2016.
With the hands of a first responder and the heart of a lay minister, Chuck volunteered with the Red Cross for more than 45 years, on their Disaster Action Team, at first aid stations, as a smoke alarm installer, and on their executive board. On multiple occasions, he traveled overseas for missions work in medical, construction, and teaching settings, including locations in Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. He also did multiple service projects and urban trips stateside, often traveling to New York. Over the years, he also served with organizations like Young Life, Habitat for Humanity, and Youth with a Mission; there is a special place in Chuck’s heart for helping young people come to know and love Jesus Christ.
At his home church, Canton First Friends, not only has Chuck has ministered as an elder and trustee, but he also served the body of Christ through the Missions Team, the Marriage & Family Team, and as a marriage mentor. For the Evangelical Friends Church- Eastern Region (EFC-ER), he currently serves on the Oversight Board.
Goldy will be honored at the Alumni Awards dinner on Friday, October 4.
Read his full biography online, and register for the banquet at
www.malone.edu/homecoming.