Charles S. "Chas" Armitage, Jr., 52, president of Uncle Charley's Sausage Company, died in a private plane that crashed in a remote area near Peru, W.V. on Sunday night at approximately 9 pm, Oct. 2. After rescue crews searched the rugged terrain, fighting poor visibility and trees, the plane was located Thursday evening by Civil Air Patrol at 6:30 pm.

Also on board were Mr. Armitage's friends, Laura Stettmier, 49, co-owner of The Addison House Restaurant in Leechburg and pilot, Michael Garrone of Allegheny Township, Pa. The group was returning from Mrytle Beach, S.C.  No one aboard survived the crash.

Mr. Armitage is survived by his children, Logan and Ryan of Freeport, PA., his parents, father Charles S. Armitage Sr. and mother Frances, brother Jon of Cranberry Pa., and sisters Charla Ray of North Jefferson, N.C. and Julie, of Hudson, Ohio.

Mr. Armitage assumed the presidency of Uncle Charley's Sausage from his father and company founder Charles S. Armitage in 2005. Chas, who served as vice president of operations of the company, has worked with his father over the years to help grow Uncle Charley's Sausage Co. Under Chas' guidance, Uncle Charley's Sausage Co. was introducing new products, such as convenient heat & serve sausage products.

Chas was well thought of in the meat processing industry. He was generous in sharing his knowledge as an officer in American Association of Meat Processors. He was recently recognized for his contributions during his service as a National Director of the AAMP from 2007-2010.

According to AAMP Executive Director, Dr. Jay Wenther, the industry has lost a leader and dynamic 'voice.'

"Chas brought a fresh dynamic to the organization and solid ideas on business." he said. "He provided a high degree of business structure as one of our national directors."

"Uncle Charley's Sausage is a strong, well managed company," Wenther said, “and he brought to our membership fresh perspectives on financial planning, resource management and marketing initiatives. We truly appreciated his input, thinking and dedication. We will all truly miss him and our sincere condolences to the Armitage family, as well to the families of the others on board."

At this time, funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Source: Uncle Charley’s Sausage Co.