Chuck was born in Oakland, California to Charles and Betty Crittenden. His sister Wendy arrived a few years later. As a youth, he enjoyed his time around his cousins in Central California. Chuck graduated from Marysville Union High School in 1957 and worked briefly as a radio/television operator and an electrician apprentice.
Enlisting in the Navy in 1958, Chuck served four years before transferring to the Naval Reserve at Treasure Island in San Francisco where he started working for a Geo-Technical Engineer firm before moving into construction. This was the beginning of his long 30+ year tenure in the trade. Later he even started his own business named CC Construction.
In 1965, Chuck met Mary Ethyl Worthington and her three young children, Lori, Sherri, and Jeffrey. Chuck and Mary wed the next year. They added one more to the family, their son Jordan. They bought a house and raised their family together in the bay area, remaining married until 1984.
One of Chuck’s many hobbies were flying. Gaining his pilot’s license in the late 70’s, he combined his love of flying with his fondness for travel. Throughout his life he enjoyed many traveling adventures with family and friends.
After a partial retirement in 2010, Chuck moved to Carson City to be near his son Jordan and his young family. He was an enthusiastic spectator at his grandchildren’s swim meets, musicals, softball games, and JROTC events, to name a few.
Chuck was always drawn to volunteerism and very willing to give his time to make an impact. One of his first such endeavors was as President of Quito Little League, where his son’s played baseball. He also took on the role of Nation Chief in the local YMCA Father and Son program.
Upon retiring in Carson City, he became active in local non-profits. He particularly enjoyed working with the Carson Animal Shelter Initiative (CASI). His work was very important in helping the group succeed in its primary mission to build a new animal shelter in Carson City. He continued to help CASI through his work with the PGA’s Reno-Tahoe Golf and later, the Barracuda Golf Championship. He also enjoyed donating his time and experience with the non-profit ‘Kids and Horses,’ an equine-based children therapy group based in Minden, NV. He helped in various capacities, even taking on the role of director for a time. Chuck was also a part of the Northern Nevada Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization for many years and was a tutor for the Carson City Literacy Volunteers Group.
A proud Shriner and a Master Mason, Chuck thrived on helping others and being part of a brotherhood. Joining the Masonic Lodge and working through its ranks, he began his connection to the church. After moving to Carson City, the group he connected with most was the Center for Spiritual Healing church in Reno. One of his favorite activities was gathering with his men’s group at the church. Chuck believed that his faith helped him stay sober. He was extremely proud to receive his 30-year sobriety chip this fall. Throughout his years he really cherished the relationships he made through AA.
Chuck is survived by his children Lori, Sherri, Jeff, and Jordan, as well as his grandchildren Mykelle, Zachary, Jake, Grae and Skyler and great grandchildren Avalina and Rory.
Family and friends are invited to a ‘Celebration of Life’ for Chuck on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2023, at Jordan’s house in Carson City. If you are interested in attending, please call or text Jordan at 775-841-0154 for details.