Charles F. Vaitiskis

Charles F. Chuck Vaitiskis, 69, of Fitzwilliam, NH, died Christmas morning, December 25, 2012, at his home after a long struggle with Asbestosis and Cancer. Chuck was born in Lawrence, MA on May 29, 1943, son of the late Charles A. and Frances (Kudronwcy) Vaitiskis. He attended schools in Methuen, MA and studied Electricity at Haverhill Trade School in Haverhill, MA. Chuck entered the U.S. Navy in 1960 and retired as a Chief Petty Officer in 1981. During his Naval career of over 20 years, he had been stationed aboard the Cruiser U.S.S. Little Rock; the Destroyer U.S.S. Hugh Purvis; the Destroyer Tender U.S.S. Yosemite; the Submarine Tender U.S.S. Hunley; the Submarine Tender U.S.S. Fulton; the Destroyer U.S.S. Harlan R. Dickson; the Repair Ship U.S.S. Grand Canyon; the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. John F. Kennedy; and the Destroyer U.S.S. Damato. After retiring from the Navy and from 1985 to 1989, Chuck worked at the U.S. Postal Service in Manchester, NH. In 1990, he applied for and received his Merchant Marine Document as an unlicensed Seaman and returned to sea. He sailed as a QMED (Qualified Member of the Engine Department) with the U.S. Coast Guard endorsements of Fireman/Water Tender, Oiler, Pumpman, Junior Engineer, Refrigeration Engineer, Wiper, Engineman and Electrician. He sailed until 1997 when he met his current wife, Linda L. (Soltysik) Vaitiskis. They married in 1998 and lived in Jaffrey, NH until 2002, when they settled into the home they built in Fitzwilliam, NH. Chuck was past commander of the Jaffrey Memorial Post 5613 and a life member of the V.F.W. He was a member of John Humiston Post 11 of the American Legion in Jaffrey, NH, a life member in Chapter 1 Disabled American Veterans, and a member at large in the Fleet Reserve Association. Chuck was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Monadnock Council 8544 and a Sir Knight with Saint Patrick Assembly 2129. He was a communicant and active member of Saint Patrick Parish where he frequently served at Funeral Masses. Chuck was a life member of the NRA and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Chuck was formerly married to Joyce B. (Clarkson) Vaitiskis. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Linda L. Vaitiskis of Fitzwilliam, NH; his daughter Karyn E. (Vaitiskis) Arruda of Somerset, MA; his son Matthew C. Vaitiskis of Dorchester, MA; Linda’s 4 children, Tracie L. Wright of Royalston, MA, Bryan Soltysik and Andrew Soltysik, both of Athol, MA and Kevin Soltysik of Barre, MA; 13 grandchildren; 2 sisters, Joan Russo of Haverhill, MA and Karen Vaitiskis of Arlington, VA, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Patrick School, 70 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452. Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Sunday, December 30, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Cournoyer Funeral Home Cremation Center, 33 River Street, (Route 202) Jaffrey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday December 31, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Saint Patrick Church, 89 Main Street, Jaffrey. Rev. Wilfred Deschamps, Pastor of Saint Patrick Church in Jaffrey will officiate and Military Honors will be conducted after Mass. Burial will take place in the spring in Saint Patrick Cemetery. http://thetributecenter.com/tributeplayer/default.aspx?webvideoID=7387