LTC Frank W. Scharite

Augusta, GA – Frank W. Scharite, Jr., passed away peacefully Monday, May 11, 2026. Born on September 18, 1932, in Trenton, NJ, to Hilda Pontoriero Scharite and Frank W. Scharite, Sr., Frank’s early years were spent on his grandfather’s farm near Ellisdale, NJ, which he fondly called the best time of his life.

He graduated from Allentown, NJ High School and enrolled in Ryder College, Trenton, NJ. However, after two years, he answered the call of duty and attended Officers Candidate School (OCS) through the NJ National Guard.

Upon graduation, he pursued active duty and the Army Aviation Program. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, he reported to Fort Rucker, AL for fixed-wing training. Earning his wings, his first assignment was at Fort Knox, KY, as a platoon leader and later, a company commander at the basic training center.

It was at Fort Know that Frank met his beloved Charlene Chamberlin. In 1957, he deployed to Korea with helicopter transition in route, serving with the 7th Aviation Company, 7th Infantry Division, at Camp Casey. Following his Korean service, he returned to Fort Rucker, AL, as an instructor in the Fixed-Wing Department teaching in the L-19 aircraft. After eighteen months, he transitioned to the Rotary Wing Department instruction in H-19 and H-34 helicopters.

Upon his return from Korea, Frank married Charlene and they welcomed two children, Mark and Michelle. While stationed at Fort Rucker, he was selected for the Army’s “Boot Strap” program, completing his college education at the University of Southern Mississippi, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Economics.

In 1960, while attending the Career Armor Advanced Course at Fort Knox, he faced a medical challenge, losing his left kidney to cancer. Completing the course, he transitioned to the Finance Corps due to Army regulations regarding aviators with single kidneys. His first finance officer assignment was with the USARPAC Comptroller Office in Hawaii as a staff finance officer. He played a key role in developing the Standard Supply System (SSS) in support of the Vietnam War, ensuring accountability for supplies and expenditures.

Following Hawaii, Frank was stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN, as an instructor in the Department of Finance for three years. He then returned to Korea as the Finance Officer of the 7th Finance Office, 7th Infantry Division, at Camp Casey. Upon completing his Korean tour, he returned to Fort Benjamin Harrison, serving as the Finance School Secretary.

Two years later, he received orders for Germany, commanding the 5th Finance Office in Mannheim, one of the largest finance offices in Europe.

As a lieutenant Colonel approaching retirement, Frank requested Fort Gordon, GA, as his final assignment. He served as Deputy Controller and retired in 1975.

Frank reflected on his life with immense gratitude. From a small-town farm boy, he became a tank commander, a pilot, a helicopter pilot, commanded two finance offices, and served on the Standard Supply System (SSS) team. He married the love of his life Charlene, and raised two wonderful children, Mark and Michelle.

Despite facing challenges, Frank proclaimed, “it was ONE FANTASTIC ride.”

A funeral service will be Friday, May 15, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. in the Chapel at Thomas Poteet & Son with Rev. Wade Trimmer officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Harlem Memorial Cemetery, 310 S. Bell St., Harlem, GA 30814.

The family will receive friends one hour before the service at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com