Charles ‘Chuck’ Johnson, retired engineer
Charles Arthur “Chuck” Johnson of Ocean View, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012, after a brief illness. Chuck was born in Olean, N.Y. Oct. 2, 1937, to the late Bessie (Baker) and Arthur C. Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son Paul Michael.
Chuck graduated Olean High School in 1955 and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1959 where he earned his degree in chemical engineering and was a proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He served his country in the U.S. Navy for six years, retiring as a lieutenant JG.
After release from active duty, Chuck went to work for Atlas Chemical Industries Inc., at the Atlas Point Plant in New Castle, and continued working for ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries) when they acquired Atlas in 1971. He was transferred to the central engineering department in 1975, where he remained until he took early retirement from ICI in 1991. He then worked as a consultant for Avecia Inc. for 10 years before fully retiring to Ocean View in 2001.
Chuck is survived by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 54 years, Beverly (Senyk) Johnson of Ocean View; his brother Larry and wife Cheryl of Holland, N.Y.; son David and wife Holly of Ellicott City, Md.; daughter Karen and husband Milton Purcell of Mays Landing, N.J.; daughter Debra and husband Andrew McLean of Moultonborough, N.H.; daughter Suzanne and husband Benjamin Hanbicki of New Britain, Pa.; grandchildren Chase Johnson and his fiancée Gabriella, Jenna Johnson, Caitlin O’Hara, Reilly McLean, Kyle Hanbicki, Deiter Hanbicki, Kerry Hempel, Caitlin Purcell, and Paige Purcell; stepgrandchildren Steven, Heather and husband Michael; great-grandchildren Jayden, Cole, Savannah, and Michael; and also by the Pass-Mitchell Clan, who have always taught the Johnson family that it is love that makes a family, not blood.
Chuck and Bev joined Christiana United Methodist Church in 1961. He served as choir director and financial secretary from 1970 until retirement. After retiring to Ocean View, they joined Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, where he was active in choir, handbells and worship committee. Chuck was active in Boy Scouts for 30 years, mostly with Troop 75 in Christiana, as well as The Ulster Project-Delaware, Indian Guides, Astra Zeneca Singers and the Pine Tones.
He was often seen commanding the waters of the Indian River Inlet in his sturdy sloop, the Benjamina, schooling his children and grandchildren in the fine art of trying to catch fish, making feasts of Maryland blue crabs around a makeshift dining room table in his garage, appreciating a finely crafted beer, a well sung tune, and any joke of his own making. Chuck lived his life in service to others, as a model son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, as a true friend, and always with deep, abiding faith.
Funeral services will be held at Saturday, Dec. 29, at 11 a.m., at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 2nd at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Chuck’s name to Epworth United Methodist Church, at the above address or to Christiana United Methodist Church, 23 West Main St., Christiana, DE 19702.
