Charles Michael Stankye, Jr., age 81, of Derby entered into rest on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at the CT Hospice with his loving family by his side.
He was the devoted husband of 58 years to Anne Francione Stankye.
He is the beloved father of Charles M. Stankye, III (Susan), Richard A. Stankye, Sr. (Karen), Ronald T Stankye (Karlyn), and Mary Rose Geffert (Joseph).
He is the beloved grandfather of Richard, Charles, IV, Timothy, Tyler, Kerri, Zachary, Ryan, Kelsey, Michaela, Kaitlyn & Piper. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was born in Derby on September 17, 1933, son of the late Charles M. Stankye, Sr. and Rosella Richards Stankye and was predeceased by his brother Robert Francis Stankye.
He was a Veteran of the United States Army during the Korean War. Charlie was the General Manager of the former New England Engineering Company of Derby before his retirement.
He was a graduate of Fairfield College Preparatory School class of 1951 and he is still an active member of the Fairfield Prep Latin Scholars.
Charlie attended the University of Connecticut Engineering program.
He was a member of the Derby Police Department serving as a Grade B Officer.
Charlie dedicated his life to the Fire Service in the City of Derby and the State of Connecticut.
He was inducted into the State of Connecticut Firefighter’s Hall of Fame.
An active member of the Paugassett Hook & Ladder Co. #4 for 59 years, he served as Lieutenant, Captain and Secretary for 22 years.
He was serving as the City of Derby Deputy Fire Marshall a position he has held for the past 35 years and served as Derby Assistant Fire Chief for 6 years and Chief of the Derby Fire Department for 2 years.
He has been a member of the Valley Fire Chief’s Association for 54 years where he served as President, Vice President, Secretary, and currently serves as Treasurer a position he has held for 27 years.
Charlie serves on the Board of Directors of the Valley Fire Chiefs Regional Fire Training School where he has been the Treasurer for 27 years.
Chief Stankye has been the driving force in the acquisition of a new fire school facility for the Valley Fire Chiefs in Beacon Falls.
Charlie was appointed as a Commissioner to the State of Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention & Control by then Governor John Rowland and has held the position since.
He has been member of the Connecticut State Firefighter’s Association for over 42 years, where is served a Past President and County Vice President, State Vice President, and currently serves as the Treasurer for the past 13 years.
He served as a member of the Executive, Education, Firefighter’s Memorial, and Hall of Fame Committees.
Charlie has been a long time member of the Irregulars Association, New Haven County Fire Chief’s, Connecticut State Fire Chiefs Association, Connecticut State Fire Marshal Associations, The International Association of Arson Investigators, and the Engine 260 Muster Club.
He was one of the founding members of the Connecticut Cellar Savers Antique Fire Truck Club.
Charlie ran the flea market for years at the Annual Engine 260 Antique Fire Muster in Milford.
Charlie was very proud of being an Eagle Scout and more proud that he was the the father of 3 Eagle Scout sons and 4 Eagle Scout grandsons.
He was extremely active in the Boy Scouts of America.
He is a 50 plus year member of the BSA. He is a “3 for Life” recipient of Troop 3 in Derby.
Charlie is a recipient of the prestigious Silver Beaver Award.
He also received the President’s Award, Award of Merit, and the Catholic St. George’s Award. Charlie is a Past President of the Housatonic Council and also served as Council Vice President and Treasurer.
He is a life member of the BPOE Elks Lodge 571 of Derby.
Charlie is a corporator of the Griffin Hospital in Derby, and the Valley United Way.
He serves on the Board of Directors of the Derby Public Library and served as Board President for 10 years.
He is a recipient of the Gold Seal Award given by the Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Charlie received the Christian Compassion Award by the St. Mary School Alumni Association.
He is a parishioner of St. Jude Roman Catholic Church in Derby where he has served on the Parish Council and as an usher.
Friends may call on Sunday from 2 – 7 p.m. at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St., Derby.
On Monday, his funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 9 a.m. for his Mass of Christian Burial at St. Jude’s Church, 71 Pleasant View Road, Derby, CT at 10 a.m.
His burial with full military honors will be at Mt. St. Peter Cemetery.
The family requests that memorial contributions may be made to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford CT 06405 or the CT State Fallen Firefighters Memorial, 34 Perimeter Rd., Windsor Locks, CT 06096.
Friends may leave condolences at www.adzimafh.com.
