Charles Richard Shaffner III, age 70, of Gloucester Point, Virginia, passed away after a long battle with a spinal cord injury.
Charles, known as Tad and Chuckles, was born on September 13, 1952 in Aurora, Colorado. He spent his earlier years in Joliet, Illinois; graduating from Joliet West High School in Joliet.
Chuck began being a Master Sailor at a very young age which continued throughout his life. Many admired how he would travel the York River single-handed and no motor. He shared his wooden lady, “Dolcefariente,” with family and friends. Saying she was the fastest on the York River.
He attended Stevens Tech in Hoboken, N.J., where he was part of the Delta Tau Delta-Rho brotherhood and continued with his Master Sailing skills. Straight from Stevens Tech, Chuck began his career at Newport News Shipbuilding where he held numerous positions. He was respected throughout his tenure with many commenting on his brilliance. The love for water and shipbuilding was illustrated no matter what position he held. As a Master Shipbuilder he wrapped himself in the submarine program.
Those that knew Chuck knew he was a mathematical genius and he would say that every problem can be solved with mathematics. Adventure on water and also on land held true throughout his life. He spent many hours with his family growing grapes for wine, running an annual family mincemeat pie gathering, hiking the toughest section of the Appalachian Trail, moving stone with Wally on the farm, creating gourmet food and just hanging out with his family.
A man that had a full life! He especially loved to wink at his granddaughter for acing her math quiz and reading books. He found great fun to be around his yacht club sailors, as well as his son’s friends, especially ‘Master’ Michael Peters.
Chuck was predeceased by his parents, Charles Richard Shaffner Jr., and Irene Siviter Shaffner. Chuck is survived by his wife of 42 years, Susan (Susie); his sons, Thomas (Becky) and Brent (Dima), and his grandchildren, Ardyn Lou and Zayn Charles; a brother, David Rubright (Nancy and niece Melissa); his sisters, Carrie Duncan (Mike) and Carol Dietch (Bob); numerous nieces and nephews.
A viewing and service will be held on June 29, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Abingdon Episcopal Church in White Marsh, Va. Interment will be held privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Chuck’s memory to the Herreshoff Marine Museum, 1 Burnside Street, Bristol, Rhode Island 02809 or to Abingdon Church, 4645 George Washington Memorial Highway, White Marsh, Va. 23183.
Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory, Gloucester, Va., is in charge of arrangements.