Charles E. “Chuck” McBride, 77, passed away unexpectedly on September 9, 2026 in the Cleveland Clinic, following heart complications.

Born in Dover on December 18, 1948, Chuck was the son of the late George E. “Ed” and Dora E. (Polen) McBride. He was a 1967 graduate of Dover High School and spent his life building not only a successful career, but also a legacy of hard work, generosity, friendship, and service to others.

In 1978, Chuck and his brother, Larry McBride, founded McBride’s Auto Service. Together, they built a business and career of which Chuck was immensely proud. For decades, countless people trusted Chuck with their vehicles, but those who knew him understood that he was capable of fixing far more than cars. McBride’s Auto Service continues today under the care of the next generation, carrying forward the work and values Chuck and Larry helped establish.

On August 28, 1976, Chuck married Rhonda J. (Garner) McBride, beginning a marriage and life together that would span 50 years.

Chuck never sat still for long. He loved anything with an engine, especially if it went fast. Drag racing was a lifelong passion, and he built engines for race cars at Midvale Speedway. He loved motorcycles, boating, water skiing, and cars, and some of his happiest memories went back to the summers he spent growing up on Tappan Lake. His enthusiasm for speed never faded. Just four weeks before his passing, Chuck was doing burnouts in his Camaro with his grandchildren—an unforgettable memory that perfectly captures the spirit with which he lived his life.

He also loved to travel, particularly to the mountains of Colorado. And when someone he loved needed something, Chuck found a way to make it happen. He even became a “farmer” for his daughter Nicole, building and maintaining a facility for her to ride and train horses.

To many, he was affectionately known as “Mr. Fix It.” Whether it was your car, something around the house, or even your life, Chuck was the person people called. If something was broken, he would figure it out. If you needed help, he showed up. If you needed advice, he gave it. And if you needed a laugh, chances were good that Chuck already had a joke waiting.

His sense of humor was larger than life, and his ability to make people smile was one of his many gifts. But behind that humor was a man with an enormous heart. Chuck was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, leader, friend and mentor. And he wasn't “Dad” only to his own children. Over the years, he became a father figure to many people fortunate enough to know him. He opened his heart, his home and his life to others freely, never keeping count of what he gave.

That compassion was especially evident through his deep commitment to jail ministry.

At the heart of Chuck’s ministry was his deep faith in Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord and was never hesitant to share that faith with others. Chuck had a genuine desire to see people come to know Christ, and he used his own life, experiences and relationships as opportunities to point others toward Him. Whether through his jail ministry, a conversation with a friend, encouragement offered to someone who was struggling, or simply the way he cared for people, Chuck sought to be a witness for Christ. Bringing others closer to Christ was not simply something Chuck did; it was an important part of who he was and the legacy he leaves behind.

As much as Chuck loved cars, racing, traveling and working with his hands, nothing mattered more to him than his family. He treasured his grandchildren and loved watching them play ball. He took enormous pride in their accomplishments, but even greater joy simply in being part of their lives.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Rhonda J. McBride; his children, Jane (Marc) Kneuss of Dover, Nicole (Nick) Hershberger of New Philadelphia, and Ron (Amber) McBride of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Jonathon (Julia) Kneuss, Tiffany (Jake) Michalowski, Timothy “Hayden” Miller, Nova Hershberger, John Hershberger, Braylon McBride, Cayle McBride, Aleah McBride, Chase Miller and JP Miller; his great-granddaughter, Margaret Kneuss; and his brother, Larry (Jane) McBride.

A funeral service celebrating Chuck’s life will be held Sunday, September 13, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Geib Funeral Center at Dover, 5600 N. Wooster Ave., Dover. with Rev. Rick Rose officiating. Visitation will follow the service from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Chuck’s honor may be directed to Dover Alliance Church.