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Charles J. Fuqua, 83

January 19, 2019


WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Charles John Fuqua peacefully passed away at home on January 19, 2019, surrounded by his family.



Charlie was born to John Howe Fuqua and Gillian Quennell Fuqua on October 5, 1935, in Paris, France, and grew up in Arlington, Virginia. He graduated from Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C., in 1953 and Princeton University in 1957. He served for three years in the U.S. Navy, mostly in the Pacific, followed by 11 years in the reserves, retiring as a Lt. Commander. He earned a Ph.D. in Classics from Cornell University in 1964. It was there that he met and married his wife of 57 years, Mary.



After teaching for two years at Dartmouth College, he joined the faculty of Williams College in 1966 as chair of the Department of Classics. As the Garfield Professor of Ancient Languages, Charlie taught Greek and Latin at Williams until his retirement in 2003. During his tenure, Charlie drafted the now well-known "Fuqua Letter," which pioneered the concept of transparency in the tenure process for higher education. Charlie’s first love was teaching students. He is remembered fondly by many former students, and the Fuqua Tutorial at Williams College was established in his honor.



Charlie was a lifelong learner and educator. He continued his scholarly activities through his his retirement, exploring both new and favorite areas of the ancient world.  He also found great joy as a volunteer tutor at the Kurn Hattin Homes for Children in Westminster, Vt. For many years, he was a dedicated hospice volunteer. Charlie will be remembered for his enthusiasm, warmth of personality and sense of humor.



Charlie is survived by his wife, Mary Morse Fuqua; three children, Andrew Fuqua of Somerville, Mass., Gillian Fuqua of Putnamville, Vt., and David Karma Choephel of Namo Buddha, Nepal; granddaughter Madeleine Miller of Putnamville, Vt.; and his brothers Nick Ryder of Arizona, and Paul Fuqua of Virginia. He is also survived by his faithful breakfast companion Farnsworth and was predeceased by several other feline friends.



Charlie greatly respected and appreciated all who provided him care and assistance over the years. On his behalf, Charlie's family would like to express their deepest thanks to all those who have cared for him over the years, including his caregivers Barbara Hidalgo and Krista Dickey; the caregivers from HospiceCare in the Berkshires; and the nurses, technicians and physicians of the BMC dialysis service who provided him comfort, care and support over the years.



Funeral notice: A funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick and Raphael Church in Williamstown on Friday, January 25, 2019, at 2 p.m., to be followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie's memory may be made to the Kurn Hattin Homes for Children. Donations may be made online or by mail to Kurn Hattin Home, P.O. Box 127, Westminster, VT 05158.




Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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Andy, Gillian and David,
Sorry to hear about your fathers passing. He had the best sense of humor and was always positive about everything.
Sincerely,
Kim
from: Kim Chapman on: 02-12-2019

Mary, My thoughts are with you and family. Charlie always made you feel special when you ran into him any where on the Williams campus or on the street, his enthusiasm and cheerful conversation was always a joy no mater what the subject. My thoughts are with you Mary.
from: Norman Quinnon: 01-27-2019

Our friends Mary, Andrew, David and Gillian we are all saddened to hear of the loss of our wonderful Charlie. He brightened up the diner so vibrantly with his many compliments and eagerness to socialize with the staff and other customers. His laugh was infectious and I know table ten will always be “his table.” Charlie will be missed by all of us here at Renee’s and we hope you all can stop in to reminisce with us from time to time.
All our love
Renee & Michael Tessier, and staff
from: Renee’s Diner on: 01-23-2019

Dear Mary and family, I am very sorry for your loss. Hope you will hold the good memories close. Be kind to yourself.26H
from: Diane Parsonson: 01-22-2019

Mary & family - so sorry for your loss, Charlie was one of a kind. My thought and prayers are with you as you grieve.
from: Ruth B Goetschon: 01-21-2019

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