Charles Kandare

Charles Kandare, age 85, died Sunday at home with his wife, Valerie Kandare, after long battles with cancer and congestive heart failure. Mr. Kandare is survived by his wife, Valerie, and five children: Joanne Gillies, Glenn, Anthony, Charles (Greg) and Wesley. He also leaves behind twenty adoring grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way. Charles had a distinguished military career serving over 28 years spanning the Korean War and the Vietnam War including two years in the Army and the rest in the Navy Construction Battalion (Seabees). His service included many duty stations in the U.S. and around the world including Spain, Morocco, Antigua, Diego Garcia and even six months in Antarctica along with serving in New Zealand, where he met his bride of 56 years. He taught his children and grandchildren, by example and personal involvement, the value of hard work, dedication to family, and the importance of a good sense of humor. He grew up in Crosby, PA in an immigrant family from Slovenia as the youngest child of John and Francis Kandare. Charles was a loving, devoted son to his mother, and throughout his life Charles had strong bonds with his brothers and sisters, all of whom have preceded him in death. Charles was unyielding in his love and support for his children, and wholly committed to his beloved wife. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. Charles will be sorely missed. Services will be this Saturday at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home with Visitation from 8:30-10 am and the Memorial Service at 10 am. He will be interred in a family plot at Rosewood Memorial Park in Virginia Beach, VA.