Chal died January 22, 2015. He was born January 25, 1925, in Mineral Point, PA. He graduated from East Conemaugh H.S. (Pennsylvania) in 1943.

Chal was working for the B&O railroad when he was drafted into the Civilian Public Service in 1944.

He worked at several camps before volunteering for the smokejumpers and reported to Ninemile Camp for training. After training he was sent to the Cave Junction, Oregon smokejumper base.

After the war, Chal worked as a truck driver and shipping department manager retiring in 1987 after 44 years with Glosser Brothers in Johnstown,PA.

Chal was a member of the Church of the Brethren, one of the three "Peace Churches" that made up the majority of the CPS smokejumpers from 1943-45.