Wachunas, Charles W.

Ballston Spa – Charles W. Wachunas, 70, of Ballston Spa, passed away at Ellis Hospital on Thursday evening, June 15, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Ocala, Florida on September 20, 1946, he was the son of the late Walter Wachunas and Laverne Wachunas, who survives.
Charles was raised in Watervliet and was a 1964 graduate of Watervliet High School. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served during the Vietnam War as a jet engine mechanic. Upon returning home from service, Charles began working at the Watervliet Arsenal as a sheet metal mechanic, a job he held until his retirement.
Once retired, Charles could focus on the things that brought him joy. He enjoyed many hobbies such as fishing, painting, crafts, traveling to the ocean, gardening, and playing guitar and drums. He was also an avid fan of NASCAR, the Yankees, and the Jets. He loved spending time in the community as a member of the Watervliet AOH and Ukrainian Citizens Club.
Charles wore his heart on his sleeve, but since it was one made of gold, he wore it proudly. Any room he walked in to would be instantly blessed with his warm smile and bright blue eyes. His sense of humor made him friends everywhere he went, and he will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Charles is survived by his loving wife, Diane Chase Wachunas, of Ballston Spa, his mother, Laverne Wachunas, his children; Tamara Wachunas of Scotia, Bob (Catherine) Wachunas of California, Chuck (Renee) Wachunas of Malta, Darcy Wachunas Kasianczuk of North Greenbush, Tom Wachunas of Watervliet, Laurie Lynch of Altamont, Melinda (Michael Mastropietro) Lynch of Malta, and David (Mayumi) Lynch of Japan, the mother of his children; Ann Shirley Wachunas, his brother; Gary Wachunas of Ballston Spa, and by his loving grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Charles was preceded in death by his brother; Thomas Wachunas.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 20th, 8:45 from the funeral home, 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church, Ballston Spa. Interment with military honors will follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon-Saratoga National Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Parker Bros. Memorial, Watervliet on Monday evening, June 19th, from 4 until 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles’ memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.

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