Charles Larson 1944 - 2013 SOUTH HADLEY - Charles E. Larson, 68, of South Hadley was called safely home on Tuesday, October 1, 2013. He passed into Eternal Life at home surrounded by the love, care and comfort of his devoted family. Chuck was born on November 19, 1944. He was raised in Detroit, Michigan and graduated from Henry Ford High School in 1962. He loved music and dancing and was a huge Motown fan. He joined the Air Force in August of 1962 and was stationed at Westover Air Force Base until his honorable discharge in 1966. In September, 1966, he married Nancy Chretien at Sainte Rose de Lima Church in the Aldenville section of Chicopee. Chuck worked as an apprentice plumber for Draghetti Plumbing and Heating in Feeding Hills, where he was employed from 1966 until 1971. During that time, he attended evening classes at Springfield Trade School and Holyoke Community College. He earned both his Journeyman's license and Master Plumber's license. Shortly thereafter, he was permanently disabled in a work-related accident. Charles was predeceased by his son Daniel, who affectionately referred to him as "Ace", and by his parents Edwin and Dorothy Lee Larson. He leaves behind to mourn his loss his loving wife and caretaker of 47 years Nancy Chretien Larson. He also leaves his beloved daughter, Laura Larson and his precious grandson and best friend Connor Daniel Wall. In addition, he leaves his Michigan family which includes nine siblings; his loving and devoted sister Maryann Vallelunga and her husband, Walter. Maryann, could make her big brother laugh like no one else, and he looked forward to her annual visits to Massachusetts each summer. He also leaves a sister, Ruth and seven brothers and their families; John, Dennis, Fred and Bill, Tom and his wife Jenny, Donald and his wife Julie, and Michael and his wife Leah. Also included in those who will miss Chuck are his brothers-in-law Al Chretien and his wife Lynn, and Thomas Chretien. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. Chuck was a member of the Chicopee Elks and the Easthampton Fish and Game Club where he served as treasurer. He also served as treasurer of the Daniel A. Larson Foundation. He enjoyed countless hours of entertainment playing Xbox 360 with his grandson, Connor. When he was feeling well enough, he enjoyed watching both his son and grandson play in their youth hockey games. Although his life was limited in so many ways, Chuck derived great joy from the times he spent with his daughter, son and grandson. His life was made richer by their love and friendship, and by sharing in their accomplishments. Calling hours will be held Sunday, October 6 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Ryder Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street South Hadley, MA. His funeral will be held on Monday morning, beginning at Ryder Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Sainte Rose de Lima Church, 600 Grattan Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to the VNA and Hospice of Cooley Dickinson, 168 Industrial Drive, Northampton, MA 01060 or to the ;(function() { var adKeyValue = 't='; adKeyValue+= escape('clio=COYCAHA'); adKeyValue += escape('&cobrand=masslive'); adKeyValue += escape('&linktext=charity of one\'s choice'); adKeyValue += escape('&linkurl=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/masslive/condolences-charities.aspx?keyword=coycaha&pid=167327004'); adKeyValue += escape('&fn=Charles'); adKeyValue += escape('&ln=Larson'); var adClkUrl = 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?iu=/423686928/prod/obit-aff/obit-standard/clio-inline-1&' + adKeyValue + '&sz=1x1&c=875201327'; var adImpUrl = 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ad?iu=/423686928/prod/obit-aff/obit-standard/clio-inline-1&' + adKeyValue + '&sz=1x1&c=875201327'; document.write("charity of one\'s choice"); }()); . Ryder Funeral Home 413-533-1735