Charles Vincent Fenolio III

Charles (Chuck) Fenolio III, age 71, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2019 after a fall down the stairs the week before.

Chuck was born on June 25, 1948 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the first of six children.

Growing up, Chuck was a lot of fun. He was personable and outgoing, and that continued until the day he passed. He cared about those close to him with great intensity, but was a jokester as well! His childhood antics included going out to the farm to goof around, ride the motorcycle, have apples thrown at him and his siblings, play cowboys and Indians at the sand dunes, and swim in the drain ditch.

Chuck met the love of his life Diane at JC Penny in 1970. Chuck worked in the shoe department and Diane in the wig department. She was the top to his bottom, the hair to his shoes, the love to his life.

In a moment of panic, Diane wasn’t sure their future was in the cards when at their wedding Chuck got cuffed, arrested, and placed into a paddy wagon – found to be a joke setup by close friends. The rest is history!

They began having kids in 1973, creating a family of six: Chuckie, Jason, Kim, and Jeremy.

Chuck worked hard to take care of and to provide for his family who was everything to him. He had a kind, loving, and forgiving nature, playing the part of father figure and role model to many over the years. He loved making jokes and poking fun at others – something most people remember about him. And any kid will remember his skill at tickling!

Another of Chuck’s loves was sports! He was most passionate about the Cubs and could hardly contain himself when they won the world series. In his younger years he was an athlete that ran track and was even pretty good. He later enjoyed coaching his children in sports like soccer and basketball, then watching his grandkids participate in their sports and playing the part of coach from the bleachers.

While he was a pretty good handyman, he made an early living as an auto mechanic, worked for the railroad, and made his career at Com-Ed for 22 years making his way from an entry level position up to control room operator, the highest position he could have without moving into management.

He is survived by his wife Diane (Leverenz) Fenolio; four children, Charles Fenolio IV and wife Tatiana, Jason Fenolio and wife Tara, Kimberly Fenolio, Jeremy Fenolio and wife Shelly; five siblings Ronald Fenolio and wife Irene, Katherine (Fenolio) Stockton, Stephen Fenolio and wife Tammy, Lisa Fenolio, Jacqueline Fenolio; 10 grandchildren, Jacob, Alyssa, Anna, Karina, Isabelle, Aaron, Ethan, Kyra, Caleb, and Kole; other loved ones and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Charles Fenolio Jr and Claire Fenolio (Turrietta).

The visitation and service will be held at the FAGEN-MILLER FUNERAL HOME, 8580 Wicker Ave in St John on Friday, September 6, 2019 from 2 – 6pm with service at 6pm.

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