Charles Louis West

Charles Louis West, 83, of Macungie, Pennsylvania, passed away surrounded by family on March 8, 2026, at his home. Born in Syracuse, New York, Chuck was the eldest of three children of the late Bradford and Lydia (True) West. A proud Eagle Scout, he dedicated both his professional and personal life to helping others, guided by a deep interest in people and a loving belief in the common good. He shared his knowledge, kindness, and humor throughout his years as a counselor, teacher, sailor, photographer, community leader, volunteer, father, and grandfather.

Chuck spent 35 years as a teacher and guidance counselor for Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES, serving multiple terms as President of the Directors of Guidance Counselors in Onondaga County. An accomplished photographer, he led the Syracuse Camera Club for many years, exhibited his work regionally, and once won first place at the annual conference of the New England Camera Club. For more than 40 years, he served as dockmaster and on various committees at the Henderson Harbor Yacht Club in New York, where his cheerful, practical, and creative approach made him a valued presence. In retirement, he continued volunteering as editor of his neighborhood newsletter and as a greeter at his Unitarian Universalist congregation, where he welcomed newcomers with his special touch.

A passionate learner and engaging conversationalist, Chuck loved discussing history, news, politics, religion, finance, and sports. He grew up in a farming community on Kingdom Road in Central New York, attending a one-room schoolhouse, before the family moved to DeWitt, where he graduated from high school. He earned an Associate’s Degree from Alfred State College in 1963, a Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Albany in 1965, and two Master’s Degrees from Syracuse University in School Counseling (1970) and Marriage and Family Counseling (1985). While at Syracuse, he met Karen Kunkel of Irondequoit, New York. They married in July 1972, first buying a sailboat rather than a house, and settled in Syracuse near extended family. They raised two sons within a warm community centered around the May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society.

In retirement, Chuck and Karen traveled the country in their Airstream trailer and divided their time between Henderson Harbor, New York—where they sailed the Duchess on Lake Ontario with their family—and a home overlooking the Organ Mountains in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He delighted in hiking the desert, watching the sun move across the mountains, and studying Southwestern geology, art, and culture. In 2015, they moved to the Lehigh Valley to be near their grandchildren, quickly forming new friendships through their community, church, and social justice work. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2025, Chuck faced his illness with courage and remained grateful for the support of family, friends, and the care team at Lehigh Valley Health Network. True to his nature as a teacher, he often asked those around him, “How are you really doing?”

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Karen K. West; his two sons and daughters-in-law, Douglas J. West (Melanie) and Gregory C. West (Heather); four adoring grandchildren, Lillian, Lucas, Calvin, and Juliette; his siblings, Christine Deane of Lafayette, California, and Bradford West of Gaithersburg, Maryland; and many members of the Kunkel family, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.