VIRGINIA --- Charles Richard Schwenker, 64, of Oakton, Virginia, died Saturday, June 22, 2013 as a result of an accident while flying an aerobatic and wing-walker performance at an airshow in Dayton, Ohio.
Born on July 21, 1948, in Schenectady, New York, he was the son of William and Jane (Kennedy) Schwenker. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Gantz, of Oakton, Virginia.
Charlie grew up in Glenville, New York, before moving to Glens Falls, New York, where he graduated from Glens Falls High School in 1966. In his youth, Charlie was an Eagle Scout and spent a great deal of time with his family, camping, skiing, and exploring the backwoods of the Adirondacks.
In 1971, Charlie graduated from Clarkson University and moved to Virginia where he began his career as a civil engineer. Charlie worked for Fairfax Water for more than 25 years and, after retiring from Fairfax Water, he worked for several engineering firms -- most recently for Greeley & Hansen in Alexandria, Virginia. As an engineer, he was passionate about conserving and providing safe water. He was also an active member of the American Water Works Association.
Charlie was a longtime ski patrolman and pursued a number of exciting hobbies, but his greatest passion was flying. Charlie was an exceptional pilot and held numerous specialty pilot ratings. He began his flying career more than thirty years ago flying sailplanes before moving to aerobatics. Charlie was a devoted member and friend of the Flying Circus aerobatic team based in Bealeton, Virginia, and traveled throughout the United States for air shows and aerobatic competitions. He was a past winner of the Canadian National Aerobatic Championship and many regional International Aerobatic Club contests throughout the East Coast. Charlie could very often be seen at the Culpeper Virginia Airport flying his Pitts biplane or his Extra 300.
Charlie will be remembered fondly as a loving husband, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and fun-loving, adventurous friend.
In addition to his wife Susan, he is survived by Susan's children, Julie Gantz (Christopher Watson) and Stephen (Renee) Gantz, and five grandchildren, all of Virginia.
Charlie is also survived by his siblings Dr. David (Mary Lynn) Schwenker of Queensbury, New York, Nancy (James) Pickens of Dumfries, Virginia, Betsy (Lou) Podbelski of Eagan, Minnesota, his nieces and nephews, Robert Schwenker, Amy Kamosa, Eric Schwenker, Paige Sims, James Pickens, Rusty Podbelski, and Kristen Podbelski, and seven grandnieces and grandnephews.
A graveside burial service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Pine View Cemetery in Queensbury, New York.
A celebration of Charlie's life will take place Saturday, August 3, at 2 p.m. at the Flying Circus Air Show in Bealeton, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations may be made in Charlie's name to: Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic, 4620 Haygood Road, Suite 1, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, http://www.angelflightmidatlantic.org/donors-and-partners/give/ to honor his love of aviation, or to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or e-mailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.