Charles Zuckerman was one of eight children born to Louis and Celia Zuckerman. Russian immigrants, they came to Winchester in 1917 to open a scrap metal business that became known as L. Zuckerman and Sons.

Anticipating military service, Charlie Zuckerman and Doug Butler, a fellow graduate of Handley’s Class of 1942, started the Handley Military Squad and scheduled drill time at the Winchester Armory. Charlie entered the United States Army Air Corps in January 1943. All five Zuckerman brothers (Joseph, Samuel, Irvin, Charles, and Aaron) served in World War II.

Charlie returned to work in the family business and, in 1948, married Virginia Franklin, a nurse from Monroe, Virginia. Charlie and Jenny raised 6 children and were happily married for 72 years.

In January 1949, the Lions Club hosted a blood drive. Charlie Zuckerman was asked to donate blood and to join the club. He did both.

He was a faithful member of the Winchester Host Lions Club for 67 years. During the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, he and fellow Lions helped keep the floats moving during the Grand Feature Parade. The only years he did not help with the parade were the years he was mayor and rode in the parade, once on an elephant, to wave at spectators.

He was Chair of the American Red Cross and a Mega Blood Donor. He donated blood for over 60 years until a medical diagnosis forced him to stop in his 80s. His final tally was more than 300 donations for a total of 38 gallons. Once asked him why he gave blood so faithfully, he responded, “Because it’s the right thing to do.” Even when he could no longer donate, he helped on blood donation days and let donors know their gift was appreciated.

The Zuckermans along with several other families helped establish the Beth El Congregation’s synagogue on Fairmont Avenue in the mid 1950s. The renovation of Beth El’s education wing was largely due to the generosity of the Zuckermans.

Charlie served 14 years on city council before being elected in 1980 for 2 terms as Mayor. He earned a reputation as an open-minded leader who worked to build consensus and strengthen the community. Russ Potts said, “One of his great strengths was working in a bipartisan fashion. You always knew with him that he would do the right thing.”

Charlie made his living first by working in his father’s business as a purchasing agent. He opened his own steel and fabricating business in 1974 and retired as President of Charles Zuckerman and Son in 1989.

He retired, however, he never stopped.

Charlie was the Post Commander of the American Legion and a board member of the Free Medical Clinic, the Winchester Medical Center, and the Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Shenandoah University Board of Trustees. He raised over $100,000 participating in the annual Big Brothers/Big Sisters fundraiser “Walk for Kids’ Sake.”

Charles Zuckerman was named the Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1977.

Charlie always had time for his family. He is remembered for the twinkle in his eye and his sense of humor. He could make people smile all of his life. His was a giving nature always helping friends and family.

“He understood and looked out for everyone. He was a people person. He loved everyone, and everyone loved Charlie,” said former Mayor Elizabeth “Liz” Minor, who served with Zuckerman on City Council beginning in 1980. “He was a wonderful mayor for the city and just a good man.”