Charles B Fennessy

He was preceded in death by his wife Sylvia Fennessy, who he called his “longest blind date ever”. They met on a blind date in Lakenheath, England and were married for 60 years before her death in 2013.

He had three children; Elaine Marie Craig, Karen Anne Hausmann (Michael) and Mike Fennessy (Teresa). He had five grandchildren; Aaron Craig, Patricia Hausmann, Shane Hausmann (Brittany), Kelley (Tim), Grant (Tracy) and ten great grandchildren; Madison Hausmann, Aubree Hausmann, Brielle Hausmann, Brooklynn Hausmann, Bryson Hausmann, Jaydon Craig, Blair, Sloane, Blake, and Shay.

He was very proud of his Irish heritage but was equally proud of his choice to come to the United States at the age of 20 years old. He was drafted during the Korean War and ultimately spent 20 years active duty in the Air Force, initially in the Military Police, and ending in the Safety and Education field. Along the way, he earned his Master of Arts Degree from Chapman University. Upon his retirement from the Air Force, he became the Education Services Officer, with Civil Service, at Castle AFB for 22 years. When the base closed in 1995 he was “pulled kicking and screaming from the base into retirement”.

He and Sylvia both retired to their 10 acre farm in Atwater. They traveled extensively, including many cruises. But he remained active in the community of Atwater and Merced. He was a 35 year member of the Merced, CA Elks Lodge #1240. He was a Lifetime Member and volunteer for the Castle Air Museum. He was an active member of the local Disabled American Veterans Chapter 31, Atwater-Merced, CA. He and Sylvia created The Charles and Sylvia Fennessy Scholarship for veterans and family members of veterans at Merced College. This endowment has awarded many scholarships for more than 20 years. He was named as an Emeritus Director for the Merced College Foundation Board. He was the impetus for the change of location of the American flag at Merced College and it now bears the name of The Fennessy Flagpole. He was named Veteran of the Year for Merced County in 2016 and Grand Marshall for the Atwater 4th of July Parade in 2023. He was also honored by the Merced County Old Timers Association in 2020-2021. These are just a few of the many accolades over his long life.

He was an avid golfer and loved playing golf with his “golfing buddies”. He also loved playing many different courses, including Pebble Beach. He loved going to the gym and until the last couple of years, went on a regular basis. He was what we loving referred to as

a “putterer”; constantly on the go, always working around the property, never one for just sitting and relaxing. He was a voracious reader; particularly of his beloved Ireland but also United States History. He would read “every word” of all the local newspapers…including all of the ads!

His favorite saying was “Irish by Birth, American by Choice”. He did both Ireland and America proud!

A Visitation Service will be on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Stratford Evans Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced.

Following Visitation will be a Celebration of life for Charles at Stratford Evans Reception Hall from 11:00 - 1:00 p.m.

A Rosary will be said on March 12, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. and Funeral Mass following at 11: 00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 671 E. Yosemite Avenue, Merced.

He will be reunited with his beloved wife and laid to rest, with Military Honors, at San Joaquin National Cemetery, 32053 McCabe Road, Santa Nella on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 2:00 pm.