Charles Robert Suchowski, 64, passed away on Sunday, November 26th, 2023 at VCU Medical Center Critical Care Hospital in Richmond, Virginia surrounded by his family.  He was born to Leonard and Lucille Suchowski on June 19, 1959 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Charles was known as son, Dad, Grandpa, Husband, and Chief Ski.

Chuck met his wife, Barbara, "the love of his life" at the beginning of their junior year at DeLaSalle High School. They married in the spring of 1978 and have been married for over 45 years.  Barbara said Chuck was like Barry Manilow's song, "Can't Smile Without You".  …he came along just like a song and brightened my day.  They moved to numerous states during their marriage, each move with new challenges.  They raised two beautiful children and numerous fur babies.

Upon graduation Chuck joined the United States Navy.  Chuck served on the USS Enterprise and USS John C. Stennis, retiring from the Navy in 1995.  Upon retirement Chuck has a series of jobs rising to the Chief Operations Officer of a metrology organization.

Chucks favorite activity of late was spoiling his two grandchildren, Anthony, 10 and August, 5 .  Chuck loved going to Busch Gardens, playing board games, and building Legos with the kids.  Chuck was an active volunteer for the Puppy Rescue Mission which rescues dogs and cats from war zones for adoption with service members or others stateside.  Chuck rescued his own beloved Romanian Shepard, Malika, through the organization.  Chuck also rescued Abby, the little Jackshund who was also a rescue from Butler Farms Animal Aide in Hampton, Virginia.  Chuck not only loved dogs, but all creatures alike working with his wife to shape their yard into a certified wildlife habitat.  Traveling was also a passion of Chucks, both with the Navy and after retirement.  Chuck has travelled to 48 of the 50 states and over 20 countries, of which Dubai was his favorite.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Suchowski; children Robert (Wendy) Suchowski and Jennifer (Patrick Morgan) Suchowski, two grandchildren, Anthony and August, and his fur babies, Malika and Abby.

Visitation will be at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 210 Harpersville Road, Newport News Virginia, 23601 from 1-2 PM  on Tuesday, December 5th 2023 followed immediately by a service honoring of Chuck at 2:oo PM.  Following services there will be a fellowship time from 3:00 PM till… at Brickhouse Tavern, 141 Herman Melville Ave, Newport News, VA 23602.

In lieu of flowers we are asking that donations be made to Puppy Rescue Mission, https://puppyrescuemission.org, or to Animal Aid, https://www.animalaidsociety.org.

Arrangements by W. J.  Smith & Son Funeral Home.