Charles Abunaw

Chuck attended public schools in the North Colonie Central School District. His first job was delivering newspapers, which made him known throughout the neighborhood. Chuck kept small snakes in a terrarium, which was a major attraction with his friends. He also collected Star Wars, He-Man and WWF action figures. He attended Calvary United Methodist Church with his family. At age 16 Charles was profiled in a Close Up article in the Times Union that was entitled "Student shows leadership potential." He was a Boy Scout and active in the Greater Albany Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. At Shaker High School Chuck played football and joined the wrestling team. He was president of Junior Achievement and was voted Homecoming King. He had an outgoing personality and was popular.

Chuck went to Plattsburgh State College and was elected to the Student Senate. He became president of the campus chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He graduated from Plattsburgh with a BA degree. Charles earned a Master's degree in Teaching from Sage College in Troy. He became a substitute teacher, most notably in Schenectady and North Colonie. He also worked at several other jobs.

Chuck's real passion was planning social events such as fraternity parties, class reunions, and picnics. He enjoyed interacting with children, as a Teacher Aide with special needs students or as Colonie Youth Center summer camp director. He even played "Black Santa Claus" for the children of the Cameroonian Association.

He traveled to Cameroon, West Africa three times and met his father's relatives. He was close to his cousins, and was especially fond of his mother. Chuck was a big fan of the Mets and the Giants, and his idol was the rapper Notorious BIG. Chuck's kind heart and grin were as big as he was. He was always willing to help others.

Chuck and some friends went to Phoenix, Arizona on vacation, just a few days before the Super Bowl. He was having fun. Sadly, on February 11 he passed away suddenly while there. He is survived by his parents, two siblings, one niece, other relatives and many friends. He will be missed by all who knew him. May he Rest in Peace.

A public calling hour will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 1030am-1130am at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Rd., Watervliet, NY 12189. A funeral service will follow at 12pm at First Presbyterian Church, 362 State St, Albany, NY 12210.