Charles J. Feeney, a long time resident of Sharon and Vineyard Haven, MA, passed away peacefully at home on March 2nd, ending a long battle with cancer. He was 87.
Chuck was a man with a wonderful smile, a tremendous laugh and a love for life that he shared with his friends and family. He was always the life of the party and left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His contagious enthusiasm enabled him to persuade family and friends to join him on his many adventures. After retiring he could often be spotted surveying his kingdom on his golf cart. A passionate sailor and private pilot, he also enjoyed golf and travel with his family.
Born on January 24, 1924, Chuck grew up in West Roxbury, MA. He studied Physics at Boston College before joining the Marine Corps. He completed his engineering degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Chuck spent the next eighteen years as an engineer/marketing manager in the military/aerospace field working closely with Government agencies on cryogenic systems for the Atomic Energy Commission, as well as communication systems for the Space Program.
Chuck met and married the love of his life, Jeanne Schnieders, in 1949. Sailing in Chuck’s handmade boat, the “Whispering Winds“, they honeymooned on Martha’s Vineyard.
Together they purchased land on the Vineyard for a retirement dream but when the aerospace business declined the idea of building a campground came into focus. In the spring of 1971 Chuck along with Jeanne, his five teenage children and many friends, began to carve the Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground out of the woods. The first campers arrived in June of 1972. Now, nearly forty years later, his dream continues and the campground is still owned and operated by the Feeney family. He made countless friends and memories along the way.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 61 years, Jeanne: his sons Dan Feeney of Vineyard Haven, Jim Feeney of Harwich Port, Tom Feeney of Falmouth, ME and his daughters: Sue O’Rourke of Vineyard Haven, Judy Shapiro and her husband Carl of Foxboro, nine grandchildren and a sister, Barbara Feeney Powers who lives in Prescott, AZ.
A private gathering was held at the family home in Sharon, Ma on Sunday, March 6th. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or a charity of your choice.