Worcester – Everett J. “Chuck” Rau, 70, of Worcester, passed away peacefully, after a long battle with cancer, on Friday, April 20, 2012 at Jewish Healthcare Center with his wife and children by his side.
Chuck was born in Worcester, son of the late Everett and Theresa (Zielenski) Rau and is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Janice I. (Archambeault) Rau; two daughters, Jennifer L. O’Connell and her husband Shawn of Worcester, Linda T. Cammuso and her husband Stephen of Hubbardston, a son Joseph E. Rau of Worcester; his in-laws Robert and Margaret Archambeault of Worcester, as well as two sisters-in-law, Joan Archambeault of Worcester and Roberta Rau of Seminole, FL and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Robert E. Rau, who passed away on April 8th of this year.
Chuck was a graduate of Worcester Boy’s Trade High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked as a machinist for many years at various machine shops and also owned and operated Chuck’s Porting Service in Worcester.
A true “car guy”, Chuck was an automotive enthusiast who loved classic and high performance cars. He actively competed in NHRA sanctioned drag racing throughout the 1960’s. He was a founder of Friday Night Cruisin’ in Worcester and an avid fan of both the NHRA and NASCAR. He was a regular at Thompson Speedway on Thursday nights. His racing buddies were among his most cherished friends. He could be found year-round “puttering” in his garage and around the yard. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Chuck’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to all those who were so supportive during his illness, including friends and the nursing staffs of St. Vincent Hospital, Jewish Healthcare Center, JHC Homecare and JHC Hospice. Your compassionate care, bedside visits and words of encouragement sustained us throughout this difficult time. He is finally at rest in the Everlasting Arms of his Lord.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 25 at 11 AM in the Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Hammond St. Worcester. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are on Tuesday, April 24, from 5 to 8 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chuck’s memory may be made to JHC Hospice, 629 Salisbury St. Worcester, MA 01609 or the Massachusetts Veteran’s Shelter, 69 Grove St. Worcester, MA 01605.
To send condolences, share a memory of Chuck with the family, or for directions, please visit www.Royfuneral.com.