Charles J. "Chuck" Waechter, 85, of Havelock, died Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at home.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Born in Asbury Park, N.J., Mr. Waechter was a World War II veteran who served in the 3rd Division of the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific. He graduated from Rutgers University in New Jersey in 1950 and went on to a career as a professional engineer, credited with a number of patents. He was an avid skier, enjoyed camping and hiking and raced motorcars. After his children were grown, he embarked, with his wife, on a life of adventure and travel. Living on boats for 32 years, the couple sailed across the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans and cruised extensively in the Caribbean and along the Eastern Seaboard.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Waechter; three daughters, Barbara Cole of Livingston, Texas, Robin Dean of Edcouch, Texas, and Holly Canoni of Barre, Mass.; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Jolie Quinlan.

Charles J Waechter