Charles L. France

Charles Laurence France, 87, of Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026. Born on July 28, 1938, in East Liverpool, Ohio, and raised in Chester, West Virginia, he was the only son of the late Charles and Nina France.

Charles was the beloved husband of Patricia “Patty” Pinney France; father of Charles (Christine) France III, Richard (Kelly) France, Michelle France, and David (Kristin) France; grandfather of Jessica (Cameron) Ciarimboli, Marissa France, Nicholas France, Nina France, Michael Haverlack, Meghan Haverlack, Matthew Haverlack, Cambell France, Cadee France, and Ava France.

Known as “Larry” to his classmates, he graduated from Chester High School in 1956, where he was involved in various clubs and activities. His senior yearbook quote, “I Love Life,” reflected the optimism and enthusiasm that remained with him throughout his life. It was during his years at Chester High School that he first met Patty.

Charles and Patty were married in September 1961 and made their home in Morgantown, West Virginia, where they built a life together founded on love, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to one another. Together, they raised four children. While raising their family, Charles continued his education at West Virginia University, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1962, a Master of Business Administration in 1963, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics in 1972. During those years, he also served as an Assistant Professor of Economics.

In 1973, Charles moved his family to Pittsburgh, where he joined the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, ultimately becoming Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Operations Officer. During the Savings and Loan Crisis of the late 1980s, he joined the Resolution Trust Corporation, becoming part of the federal effort to restructure failing savings and loan institutions. Then, in 1992, he became President and Chief Executive Officer of First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Indiana. Under his leadership, the institution was reorganized and transformed into Indiana First Savings Bank, now known as InFirst Bank. Following his retirement as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2003, he continued serving on the Board of Directors and Audit Committee until his retirement from the Board in June 2024. Charles also believed in giving back to his community, serving as Chairman of the 1996 United Way of Indiana County campaign and on the Board of Directors of the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce.

More than any professional accomplishment, Charles treasured his family and the time they spent together. He enjoyed golfing with Patty, family vacations to the beach, and, for nearly three decades, the daily walks they shared through the neighborhoods they called home. Whether it was a birthday, graduation, sporting event, or another important milestone, he was there. His children and grandchildren knew they could always count on him for love, guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support.

Charles will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, respected economist, banking executive, mentor, and friend. His life was defined by integrity, humility, service, and an enduring commitment to his family and community.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Resurrection Parish (St. Thomas More Church), 126 Fort Couch Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241. A luncheon for family and friends will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Charles’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.