Charles "Chuck" DeChellis, age 95

CHUCK! A man of few words whose life was loudly heard by its INTEGRITY! His strength of character was forged at fifteen when his beautiful mother, Anna, passed away in her thirties. As the oldest brother, he led the way-- owning a deep sense of responsibility for his family. He carried this trait for the remainder of his life as a beacon for his younger brothers and only sister.

After working at part-time jobs during his high school years, Chuck was employed by the Ford Motor Company after graduation. He stayed with the company for 39 years, only interrupted by time served in the Korean War. Life took a significant turn when he married the Italian beauty who stole his heart and would remain his soulmate for sixty-nine years, Joanne Rugani DeChellis.

Chuck became one of the many in Ohio's industrial world who expected to work hard without complaint, which he excelled at thoroughly. He did a somewhat dangerous job as an upsetter operator, with sparks burning into his work clothes. His quiet but firm fortitude has been passed on to the children who succeeded him; along with an intellect and drive that can so clearly be traced back to life under his and Joanne's care. Together, they had four children, who blessed them with 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; all of whom were witness to his incredible legacy.

In addition to spending time with his family, Chuck watched, yelled at, and argued with plenty of shows in his retirement years and prior: golf, NE Ohio Sports, game shows, westerns. His hobbies included crossword puzzles, gardening, fishing, and coupon cutting to "find a good deal." He rarely went to bed without drinking late night coffee with dessert.

In their younger years, Chuck never missed an opportunity to take Joanne to Las Vegas, spending months of the year at Sam's Town enjoying the buffet. In more recent years, their weekend trips were to MGM and Costco, reveling in their time together like the newlyweds they still seemed to be.

He was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Hall of Fame Luncheon Club and Festival Committee, Knights of Columbus, Sons of Italy, and Campos Golf League.

Whatever name by which he was called: Dad, Nonno, Uncle, Charlie, Chuck, Chas, he will be remembered for various reasons. Gone but not forgotten because the memory of the "six kisses" will live forever.

Charles S. DeChellis, Sr. passed away early Saturday morning at age 95. Born in Canton to the late Samuel and Anna (DePasquale) DeChellis, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Elyssa Lechner; brother, Robert DeChellis; cousin, Donald Bell and nephew, Robert DeChellis, Jr.. Chuck is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joanne (Rugani) DeChellis; children, Cyndie (Fred) Bertram, Charles S. (Olga) DeChellis, Jr., David (Beth) DeChellis, Michelle (Dan DiGiambattista) Lechner; son-in-law, Scott Lechner; 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Eugene (Mary) DeChellis, Ronald (Donna) DeChellis, Carina (Tom) Roden and sister-in-law, Joan DeChellis. Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 5 to 8 pm at the Rossi Family Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, 9:30 am, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Brian Cline, celebrant. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Elyssa Lechner Memorial Fund, c/o Richville United Church of Christ, 6125 Richville Dr. S.W., Navarre, OH 44662.