By Jasmine Durst
Even from the grave, local famous people still get birthday parties.
Charles B. Degenstein, business and civic leader, humanitarian, and philanthropist, died at the age of 92 on Wed. November 11, 1998, at his home in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. He served on the Susquehanna University Board of Directors, and he was an honorary member of the Susquehanna University Board of Directors at the time of his death. He was also the chief benefactor of the Lore Degenstein Gallery through an endowment made by him in honor of his wife. The Degenstein Scholars Program aids students in the Sigmund Weis School of Business and the Degenstein Foundations, which has benefited the Susquehanna Valley since the 1970s.
During his Philadelphia days, Degenstein met Claire Elizabeth Weis and her father, Sigmund Weis, both of whom cast an important influence upon Degenstein’s life. Following his marriage to Betty Weis, he moved to Sunbury, Pennsylvania, where he was an executive at Weis Pure Food Stores, later called Weis Markets, Inc. He continued to work at Weis as it grew to be a successful chain of supermarkets serving a six-state area.
Degenstein served as member, president, and director in several organizations around the county, including Sunbury’s Rotary Club, Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Sunbury Industrial Drive, and the YMCA.
On Mar. 18, 2026, Charlie’s Lounge hosted a birthday party for Degenstein, who would have been 120 years old. During the party, there was a meal set up including spinach dip, barbeque wings, mild wings, mac and cheese bites, and three types of cupcakes, each with orange or maroon icing and a little candle.
The first event of the night was a 15-question Kahoot game called “Susquehanna University Trivia: History and Campus Life.” Questions varied between more general facts, such as: what year was Susquehanna University founded? (1858); and lesser-known facts, like what building used to be the science center? (Fisher Hall). The winners of the Kahoot were Chuck Baker, Lydia Eberle, and Eowyn Thompson.
The second event saw students hit a piñata filled with candy, and the third event had students create their own party hat.
Not only was it a fun celebration, but it was also a chance to learn about the campus and its history.
Eowyn Thompson said: “I had a great time playing Kahoot and watching everyone swing at the piñata! Let’s go SGA!”