Charles W. (Chuck) Phaneuf

Charles W. “Chuck” Phaneuf
July 29, 1946 – November 9, 2024
Yorktown, VA – Charles W. “Chuck” Phaneuf, 78, of Yorktown, VA, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2024.Born in Holyoke, MA, on July 29, 1946, he was the son of the late Yvonne Genereux Phaneuf and Charles E. Phaneuf. His mémé, the late Aline Genereux lived with the family, lovingly assisting to raise Chuck, due to his mother’s blindness.
A proud Vietnam War veteran, Chuck served as a Navy Hospital Corpsman and X-ray Technician aboard the USS Repose, a hospital ship in Vietnam, where he was exposed to Agent Orange. His service to his country was meaningful to him, and he carried that sense of duty throughout his life. After passing his X-ray board certification, Chuck continued to serve in the medical field, earning a Bachelor’s of Science from Mesa College and a Master’s in Education from the University of Tennessee. He was a pioneer in X-ray education and developed programs at Vance-Granville Community College, Mary Immaculate Hospital, Western School of Health, ACT College, and ECPI. Chuck’s passion for teaching led him to prestigious universities, including Thomas Jefferson University, Duke University, and East Tennessee State University.
Chuck was known for his sense of humor, his deep love for his family, and his unparalleled ability to find a good bargain. A favorite saying of his was that he “purchased something for half of a half.” He had a special knack for finding deals and was notorious for removing the sale price tag from a gift while leaving the original price tag on—always a source of humor for those who received his gifts. His love of the Pittsburgh Steelers was also a well-known part of his personality.
Chuck’s family was his greatest joy, and he is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Page Phaneuf; his daughter, Marnie Phaneuf (Dannell Litchfield) of Chesapeake; his son, Charlton Phaneuf of Portsmouth; step-daughter, Angela Molin (Michael) of Yorktown; and step-sons, Bradley Harris (Remlee Green) of Somerville, MA, and Dale Harris (Kristin) of Seaford. He was known as “Big Chuck” to his cherished grandchildren: Ethan Molin, Makayla Molin, Dayton Harris, and Aveline Harris. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Glenda Page Jantz, her husband, Larry and brother-in-law, Peter Cullipher. Chuck and Sandra shared their lives with many German shepherd dogs and he will be missed by his devoted canine companion, Jack.
Chuck’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the many caregivers who have supported him in recent years due to Agent Orange-related illnesses, including special caregivers Debbie Richards and Mary Esteves. Their care and compassion have been a comfort during this difficult time.
A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Zion United Methodist Church, 2109 Seaford Road, Seaford, VA, with a graveside service to follow at the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue, Post Office Box 733, Centreville, VA 20122-0733.

Chuck’s legacy of service, kindness, and humor will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.