Charles H. "Chuck" Kershaw

Charles H. “Chuck” Kershaw, 61, successfully completed his tasks here on earth and left this world to meet his Heavenly Father. His passing occurred at the Charles T. Sitrin Healthcare Center on Sunday, August 29, 2010. Chuck was born in Utica on March 31, 1949, to the late Charles Kershaw and Mary LaPolla Jacopelle. Chuck was born on his father’s birthday, but was never afforded the opportunity to celebrate with him due to his untimely passing in November 1949. While growing up, a special and important person in Chuck’s life was his father’s sister, Aunt Maude Kershaw Hayes. She promised her brother that she’d care for his son and she lived every day fulfilling that promise. She was taken from Chuck in 1973, but her memory was always close to his heart. Chuck attended Utica schools, proudly graduating from Proctor High School in 1967. He continued his studies at SUNY Morrisville and in 1971, received an AAS in Journalism. He went on to Utica College and earned a BA in Public Relations and Journalism in 1973. He did graduate work at St. Lawrence University, graduating in 1980 with an MEd in Counselor Education. In 1991, Chuck was awarded a CAS in School Administration and Supervision from SUNY Cortland. Chuck began his school counselor career in the Chadwicks Union Free School District in 1983. In 1984, when the two districts merged, he continued his work in the Sauquoit Valley Central School District. In 1985, Chuck served the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District. In 1998, Chuck moved to the Rome City School District and served until 2000, when he retired due to medical reasons. Chuck worked with children of all ages and loved each and every one. He always said that he learned as much from them as they from him. Chuck served in the US Army Reserves. He is a retired member of the 331st General Hospital. On February 21, 1983, Chuck met the former Marguerite Simonetti at McDonald’s on Mohawk Street, Utica. That was the beginning of their love story. Chuck was truly a Prince Charming (or “Charmy Boy” as Dad Simonetti would call him!) Their married life began on October 20, 1984, at St. Anthony’s Church, Utica. Their vows of “in good times and in bad” and “in sickness and in health” were tried and tested many times. With each obstacle overcome, their love and respect for each other grew deeper and deeper. Chuck’s relationship with Marguerite’s parents, his in-laws, John and Nellie (Nettie) Simonetti, finally fulfilled his lifelong dream of having a loving set of parents. He was deeply saddened by Mom Simonetti’s passing in 1986, but he kept her memory close to his heart. In the years that followed, as Chuck began experiencing more and more health issues, especially following his bi-lateral amputations, he found himself bonding more and more with Dad Simonetti. He was saddened when Dad passed away in 2008. Chuck was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, New Hartford. He served on the Parish Council as a former member and past president. He was also a Eucharistic Minister. Chuck and Marguerite were actively involved in the Catholic Engaged Encounter marriage preparation program in the Syracuse Diocese. As a junior presenting team couple, they traveled to several dioceses, presenting over 40 weekends in 7 years. Chuck is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Marguerite. He also leaves a void in the lives of his canine companion, Buster and his feline friend, Lucy. He was pre-deceased by his faithful feathered friend, Freckles, on August 28, 2010 (the day before Chuck died). He was also pre-deceased by his canine companion, Sandy, who will be anxiously awaiting Chuck (and some biscuits) at the Rainbow Bridge. Chuck leaves a special life-long friend and advocate, Frances Thurston, Clinton. Other special friends include Kurt Cooper, Virginia, Mary Jo Satterlee, Albany, and Mary Heintz Farda and Linda LaPaglia, both of Utica, who were members of the “substitute wife” program; they were available whenever Marguerite wasn’t and were always there in times of crises. He leaves his family in Buffalo. Chuck was grateful for the warm welcome that he received when he married into the family; their love and acceptance of him meant so much. Chuck also leaves behind a host of friends, former colleagues, and acquaintances who will mourn his passing. Chuck was thankful to the members of St. John the Evangelist Church who visited him on a regular basis. Father Zareski, Deacon Jamie Schultz, Margaret Fariello, Wanda Gregory, and Don Van Waas, their visits provided so much love and comfort to Chuck. Chuck was blessed with a team of outstanding physicians/caregivers through the years. Domenic Aiello, Jorge Ferreiro, Robert Fleischer, Gordon Fung, Dilip Kachare, Norman Neslin, Robert Pavelock, George Schilling, Margarita Schilling, and Stanley Weiselberg, each went above and beyond what was expected. They are assets in their fields and the Utica/Mohawk Valley is blessed to have them. Thanks, also, to the St. Elizabeth Medical Center angels of 3C, Neuro-Peds, and ICU. Special thanks and recognition need to be given to Edwards Ambulance Service and the Willowvale Volunteer Fire Department for all their help and assistance in the past several years. They are true professionals in their fields and they go above and beyond what is expected. Chuck supported the organ donor program, and would ask others to consider being organ donors also. Donations may be made to the Willowvale Volunteer Fire Department or floral arrangements will gratefully be accepted, as Chuck loved to give flowers and he loved to receive them. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Chuck’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. John the Evangelist Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will follow in Calvary Mausoleum.

Charles H. "Chuck" Kershaw

March 31, 1949 - August 29, 2010