HOLMES BEACH, Florida – Charles Chakoumakos passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Windsor of Bradenton Assisted Living on July 21, 2014.
Charles was a resident of Holmes Beach, Florida for 26 years, after having retired from the University of Maine at Farmington, where he taught chemistry for 22 years. Prior to that, Charles taught high school at Gould Academy in Bethel, and high school in Goshen, New York.
Charles served in the U.S. Army during World War II during the “Battle of the Bulge” in Bastogne, Belgium. Charles was educated at Bates College (B.S., 1948) and the University of Wisconsin – Madison (M.S., 1977).
Charles published several highly cited research papers on the toxic effects of pollutants on rainbow trout based on research, which he conducted over several summers at Montana State University in Bozeman. Charles also conducted numerous studies of the local water quality around Farmington, Maine and authored with his students many reports on this subject.
In retirement on AMI, Charles was an avid sailor, and sailed solo around Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Keys, and even the Bahamas in a 26-foot boat. Charles enjoyed gardening, photography, fishing, and outdoor adventures.
Charles is survived by his wife Mary Alice of 66 years, four children: Scott, Bryan, Alison, and Andrew; six grandchildren: Sara, Segue, Rowan, Madison, Egan, and Sofia, and two great grandchildren: Lyla and Otis.
Please leave a tribute at http://www.forevermissed.com/charles-chakoumakos.
My thoughts and prayers to the family.
From the Bulge to sailing solo in a 26 footer. I can see where the kids got it from. RIP
I had Chuck for a number of classes at UMF, and I cannot overstate what a great teacher he was. He had an impact on many of us as we learned the details of chemistry, especially in water chemistry and the lab based water analysis. He was quick to point out environmental concerns and realities that were taught by no textbook; he WAS the book!
I have great memories of Chuck, and just want to let the family know what a great professor he was for me. With sympathy,
Tony Ramsey
UMF Class of 1981
Living Acres
New Sharon, Maine
Sorry to see another colleague go. He did long service.
Everybody had one inspirational person who taught them how to be successful in life. Chuck was mine. I was in his chemistry class in Goshen, NY High School in 1964 (!), where he instilled in me a love of science and practicality. He was the reason I majored in chemical engineering, a career I truly enjoyed. 10 years later, upon moving to Farmington, what a wonderful surprise to find him in his lab at UMF! When I became a teacher, Chuck was my role model.
Mentor, teacher, friend, an icon passes.
God Bless Mary Alice and family.
Jim & Linda