Dr. Charles Henry Faust III, beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, and leader, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on March 22, 2025. Dr. Faust was widely known for his deep commitment to education, his unwavering dedication to his family, and his belief in the power of positivity and perseverance.
Dr. Faust's legacy as a dedicated educator and public servant spanned five decades. He began his career in 1965 as a junior high school teacher in the Churchill School District. His work took him to Gateway School District, where he served as a biology teacher and Supervisor of Science, and later to Armstrong School District, where he was Supervisor of Specialized Curriculum and Assistant Superintendent. After serving 10 years as Assistant Superintendent of Baldwin-Whitehall School District, he was promoted to Superintendent in 1986, where he served until his retirement in 2004.
Dr. Faust was known as a man of impeccable integrity, a wise leader, and a visionary who believed that change stretched a person. He was a constant and compassionate advocate for the students he served. During his tenure as superintendent, he advanced the technological footprint of the district, oversaw significant restructuring of facilities, and developed a plan to welcome and integrate a large population of students from Somalia and Bosnia. After inheriting a budget deficit, Dr. Faust left the district with a significant budget surplus, and helped develop plans for the renovation of Baldwin High School. Because of these accomplishments, Dr. Faust was recognized as Superintendent of the Year for the State of Pennsylvania in 2004.
However, Dr. Faust's indelible mark on education is not simply present in what he accomplished. It lives on in the way that he treated people. Dr. Faust showed respect and compassion for everyone he encountered. He de-escalated difficult situations via his calm and reassuring demeanor and with a persistent willingness to listen to differing points of view with an open mind.
In recognition of his extraordinary service, Baldwin-Whitehall School District announced the renaming of the district's administration building in his honor. Dr. Faust's legacy lives on through those who knew him. He was admired for his endless empathy, his eternal optimism and his favorite saying: "Think positive. Aim high."
Dr. Faust loved his family immensely, both in word and deed. His dedication throughout 58 years of marriage to his wife Cathy was boundless, his love for her beautifully evident until the end of his days. His wise counsel guided his children to adulthood, his example a shining light that guided them each day. He doted on his grandchildren, and loved watching them learn and grow. Every communication with his family ended with one word - LOVE - in capital letters to emphasize the zealous affection he intended to continually convey.
His faith was also a cornerstone of his life. He often told his wife Cathy that he wanted to be the kind of man depicted in Psalm 1, and this served as a guiding light throughout his life: "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." He was that man.
An avid golfer, Dr. Faust found relaxation and enjoyment on the golf course, where he shared his love for the sport with family and friends.
Dr. Faust is survived by his loving wife, Cathy; his daughter Wendy (and her son Ender) of Greensburg, PA; his son Mike (and his wife Kara, along with their children Aislin and Logan) of Waynesville, NC. He was predeceased by his mother Dorothy Keller Faust, father Charles Henry Faust II, and brother Robert Lee Faust.
Dr. Faust will be remembered for his contributions to education, his dedication to his family, and his positive outlook on life. His memory will live on in the countless lives he touched.
A memorial service will be held at South Trail Church of Christ (5601 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota FL) at 1:00 PM on April 14, 2025. A celebration of life will be scheduled in Pittsburgh, PA at a later date.
