Charles Joseph Daniels

Charles J. (Chuck) Daniels, 97, passed away on February 23, 2017. He was born in the Panama Canal Zone and lived there through junior college. He continued his education at the University of Michigan, graduating with a degree in Naval Architecture. In 1942, his first job was to design and test hull configurations of sea planes at the NACA (now NASA) towing tank. Next, he tried a new career at All American Engineering Co. in Wilmington, Delaware, where he designed and tested arresting gears for US aircraft carriers. Charles then moved to northern Virginia where he worked for the Department of Transportation. He was most proud of his design work on making public buses more accessible to the handicapped.

Over the years, Charles designed and built four different houses, including a beautiful retirement home in Great Falls, VA. He treasured his woodworking shop, vegetable garden, original paintings, and his own handmade cello. Above all, Charles was a loving husband to his wife of 74 years, Madeline, and the best role model any son or daughter could wish for.

Charles was predeceased by his son, Charles T. Daniels. He is survived by his wife Madeline; daughter, Mary and husband, Gary Boxer of Yorktown; son, Richard and wife, Sandi Daniels of West Grove, PA; daughter, Ann and husband, Dan Dahl of Kennewick, WA; five grandchildren, Lynne, Jenny, Richard, Randy and Robert; and four great-grandchildren, Corynn, Jordyn, Maddox and Adelyn.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Brookdale Williamsburg on Saturday, March 25 at 1:30 PM.

Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com.