Charles "Chuck" James Wachtel

Poestenkill-Charles “Chuck” James Wachtel, 67, of North Road, Averill Park, NY and Sebastian, FL passed away unexpectedly at his residence on June 3, 2025 with his wife Jami at his side.

Born in Troy, NY son of the late Peter and Shirley (Booth) Wachtel, Chuck was raised in Poestenkill and graduated from Averill Park High School class of 1975. After high school, he became a truck driver for 7up (Fitzgerald Brothers), and then went back to school, going on to earn his bachelor's degree from Siena College. After briefly working at Bench Furniture, Chuck went back into the soda business and embarked on a distinguished career at PepsiCo bottling company. Throughout his 33 years of service, Chuck held various roles with the company before retiring in 2018.

Though he was proud of his career, Chuck’s biggest impact on this world, and what he cared most about, were his family and friends. The guy was incredible- the life of every party, the kind or funny chat at just the right time, a pragmatic problem solver, and a handyman extraordinaire. He accomplished so much with his life, but he was most proud of the family he created alongside his wife, Jami. Chuck and Jami were a beautiful couple, building their forever home in Averill Park in 1990 and filling it with warmth, love, laughter, strong values, and when needed, stern talking-tos. It was in this home that they raised their children, Melissa and Chase. Chuck was so proud of his kids, and he was always available to help them, doing so without question and never expecting anything in return (though he always willingly accepted candy). He listened, helped them create their own dream homes, fixed anything that broke, and loved endlessly. His pride in his children grew even more when he earned the title of Papa, and he took his job as grandfather very seriously. He played with the kids, took them frog hunting, snorkeled in the Caribbean with them, and had recently participated in an epic nerf gun battle with his grandsons. He also loved sitting with them, watching tv and sneaking them chocolate, or just chatting about anything and nothing.

When Chuck and Jami retired, they began splitting their time between Averill Park and Sebastian, Florida. There, they turned a fixer upper into their perfect little dream home. They also began traveling and got to experience Puerto Rico, Europe and the West Coast. Somehow, they still managed to spend considerable time with their family in New York and Virginia, even though these visits usually meant Chuck would have a long list of house projects to complete.

Chuck lived a life well loved. He was always there to help the people he cared about, and he brought joy and happiness to everyone who crossed paths with him. He told people he loved them and he meant it. He has a lot of people who love him, and who are struggling to understand how he could possibly be gone.

Chuck’s memory lives on with his loving wife of 38 years, Jami Wachtel (née Teal), daughter Melissa Snyder (husband Andrew), Son Chase (wife Danielle), grandchildren Eliana (17), Owen (13), Easton (11), Benjamin (9), and Natalie (9); brother Peter Wachtel (Pat), sisters Dawn Wachtel and Debbie Gilday (John); brother-in-law and best friend Darin Teal (Angela), sisters-in-law Robin O’Brien (Mark) and Lori Shelgren (Jim); 16 beloved nieces and nephews and their spouses and children; many friends, extended family members, and a long list of dear friends who became like family.

Chuck was predeceased by his parents Peter and Shirley (Booth) Wachtel, and his mother and father-in law, Eugene and Joyce (Catlin) Teal.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call 1-4pm on Saturday, June 7 at the Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel 2691 NY 43 at Glass Lake Averill Park and a celebration of Chuck’s life will be held 1pm on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at Zion’s United Church of Christ Taborton 741 Taborton Road Sand Lake, NY.

Chuck’s family request memorial contributions be made to Zion’s United Church of Christ of Taborton 741 Taborton Road, Sand Lake, NY 12153. His family also asks that you always make sure to spread kindness, tell people you love them, and for Chuck’s sake, tell an inappropriate joke or two.

Visit www.perrykomdat.com for directions and a guestbook.