Charles W. Jennings

Charles William “Chuck” Jennings, Lieutenant Commander USCG (ret.) of York, Maine died unexpectedly at Maine Medical Center in Portland on July 3, 2022. He was born on August 20, 1952, in Queens Village, New York.

Chuck served in the US Coast Guard from 1974 until his retirement in 2001. He was stationed in the Atlantic and Gulf regions including New York, North Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, and South Carolina. Additionally, he held an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Biological Technology from SUNY Farmingdale and a Bachelor’s Degree from Thomas A. Edison State College.

During his 27 years with the USCG, Chuck was recognized for his strong work ethic, fair leadership, camaraderie, and dedication. In both military and civilian life, he treated everyone with respect and dignity regardless of rank or status. He was well-regarded and proud to serve.

Following his retirement, Chuck spent 17 years with AAA covering various destinations as a prolific and meticulous site Inspector, a role that kept him well-fed and well-traveled. He closed this career with an encyclopedic knowledge of hotel accommodations and a healthy aversion to communal TV remotes.

In his spare time, Chuck could build, fix, plot, wire, plumb, paint, and grow almost anything and he didn’t hesitate to share his time and know-how with friends and loved ones, expecting nothing in return but always welcoming a good meal and a cold beer.

Chuck was a magnanimous, loving, “#1 son,” brother, husband, and father. He was quiet in his generosity and tempered in his pride. He had a sharp wit and sense of humor with an ebullient laugh that invited everyone to the joke. It was the most joyful sound, and its absence is unfathomable.

He is survived by his wife, Vera Jennings of York, Maine; daughters Brenna (Steve DeTrolio) Jennings, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Stephanie (Mike Grabowski) Jennings of Kennebunkport, Maine; grandchildren Sonny Ouellette, Michaela Ouellette, Lilliana Ouellette, and Anna Frances DeTrolio; brothers William (Donna) Jennings of Poquott, New York, and Thomas (Chelsey) Jennings of St. Philip, Barbados; and former wife Michele Wells, the mother of his two children. This is a very abbreviated list of the numerous friends and family who love and will miss him endlessly.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents William and Patricia Jennings of Hauppauge, New York.