Mr. Charles E. "Chuck" Showalter

UTICA - Mr. Charles E. “Chuck” Showalter, age 85, was surrounded by his guardian angels as he passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 in the comfort of his home with his wife by his side. Born in Camden, New Jersey on September 3, 1932, Charles was the son of the late Charles E. and Helen (Olson) Showalter. Because of his dad’s occupation, the family traveled to numerous states and settled in the San Diego, California area where he was raised and educated. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Chuck honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict as a Jet Aircraft Engineer/Mechanic. He appreciated his time in military service because it afforded him the training that made it possible for him to later become a licensed small airplane pilot. At one time Chuck was married to the former Evelyn “Lyn” Brown and to that relationship came the blessing of two daughters. On June 22, 1980 he married the former Joyce A. Bolos. This 37 year marriage was built on a strong and meaningful friendship which encompassed a huge life adventure. They were admired for the mutual love and respect that they displayed towards one another till their last day together. Chuck enjoyed his career as a carpenter, electrician, and plumber, and no task was too big or too small to conquer. His insight and intuition was incredible and his professional ventures were vast. He was a commercial building inspector for the city of Davis, California and the University of California at Davis for many years, but home building was his passion. His building specs were unique and exceeded construction standards. He was the designer in a private company established with business partner Ken Parker. They were a great team and built memorable homes for so many. For Chuck, his success was a dream come true and he and Joyce took to the open waters when they moved aboard their newly purchased, pre-owned 51-ft. Bluewater Yacht. Over time, Chuck decided that he and Joyce needed to relocate back to Utica so they could be closer to and reconnect with Joyce’s family, so in 2002 they called Utica their home. Chuck was an adventurer at heart, and each time he traveled he had a purpose, and he embraced the opportunity to see, to look and to learn. He was humble about the many opportunities he had to assist others or marvel at the beauty of nature. As a holistic believer, he honored his body, rode his bike, and shared information with many who found this way of life to be mentally and physically beneficial. He had understated confidence and was a good communicator. There was never a time when Chuck didn’t have a project coming to life in his head and heart. He was witty and light-hearted but with a dry sense of humor. His conversation was uplifting and he always wanted you to remain optimistic. He enjoyed adventure novels but was an avid reader on many levels and subjects, and always recommended unique or valuable reading material. During his illness, Chuck overcame many obstacles with strength, stamina, and dignity. His exposure to sacred and classical music enhanced his knowledge of the composers and had a calming and comforting effect during his challenges. He also admired Angela Nassar’s God-given talents as an organist. Chuck was not one to be deterred and he could never remain idle, character traits that led him to take on the responsibility of a position with the Gates-Cole Insurance Company in his recent years. He tackled many tasks and was the go-to guy; the staff became enamored of him. Chuck & Joyce also traveled to get-away destinations spontaneously, never seeing the same sites twice. He found a new family with the Bolos clan, and he loved each one of them with an open heart, a beloved relationship that will be treasured by all. Chuck made it known that his marriage to Joyce was one of his greatest blessings of his life. They came to know the same sense of adventure and his support of her and sense of comfort they provided to one another made for a great marriage and a fun-filled life. Charles is survived by his beloved, Joyce; his daughters and son-in-law, Kristine “Kris” Showalter, and Sandra and Ray Freeman, all of California; and his granddaughters Rachiel and her children; and Kimberley Freeman. He was preceded in death by his grandson Tony who passed away at the age of 8. He also leaves his brother and sister-in-law, William and Ann Showalter; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Janet and George Grizzuto, and Sonia Bolos. He knew the friendship of many wonderful people and it would be remiss not to mention his dear friends, Ken and Rosemary (Harp) Williams; as well as his loving and supportive neighbors, especially Marion Reagan, Dave Mathis, and Jim and Pat Roddy who were all a sense of comfort and were available at a moment’s notice. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Toufek and Ardell (Shalhobe) Bolos; and his in-laws, Joseph T. Bolos, and Joan Bolos-Farney. The family is grateful to the members of Chuck’s exceptional medical team who were wholeheartedly committed to his care: Dr. Steven Kussin, Dr. Marcy Canary, Dr. Marissa Kalil and Dr. Andrea Finocchiaro, Dr. Michael Kelberman, Dr. Robert Fleischer, Dr. Fayez Chahfe, Dr. Renee Wellenstein, and Dr. Brian D’Aoust; the spiritual visits of Fr. John Buehler; the wonderful care and kind acts rendered by Roseanne George, Tammy Kehrli, Lillian, Edna, and Gloria; the friendship of Terry Mizener who had a special way of caring for Chuck; and the loving care provided to Chuck and Joyce by his sister-in-law Janet who was thought of as his “2nd” wife. The family will honor and commemorate Chuck’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Charles’ funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler with Military Honors conferred by the US Air Force. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to Historic Old St. John’s Church; envelopes will be available at the service.

Mr. Charles E. "Chuck" Showalter

September 3, 1932 - September 13, 2017