Charles C. Wanio, 96, of Boynton Beach, passed away on February 21, 2017. He is survived by his loving wife, Lillian Wanio, his son, Charles Paul Wanio, daughter, Deborah Lynn Wanio, grandson, Joseph and great-grandson, Jacob.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 840 George Bush Blvd, Delray Beach, Florida, on Friday, March 3, 2017, at 11:00AM, with burial to follow at the South Florida National Cemetery, Lane 1.

Mr. Wanio (Chuck) was raised on a Michigan farm where he cultivated his mid-western values of hard work and favorite saying, "honesty is the best policy." He attended a one-room school house with his sister, Mary (grades 1 – 8), before moving to East Chicago, Indiana, where he attended Roosevelt High School and graduated at age 16. He loved playing baseball and was a star pitcher and first-basemen (left handed) for the Kiwanis Club and had dreams of playing for the Chicago Cubs. He served in the U.S. Army (1942 -1946) where he became a pilot and attended one year of college.

As a young man out of the service, Chuck began working for an Indiana lumber company and did so well that he eventually managed it. He later became manager of Lake City Lumber in East Chicago, Indiana, where he met his wife, Lillian, and they were married in 1949. In 1959, they moved from Munster, Indiana, with their two children, to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Chuck's lumber experience and home building laid the groundwork for his transition to becoming a general contractor. His reputation grew quickly with his commitment to quality construction and noted decorating of each home by his wife, Lillian. They were an unstoppable team of fine architecture, home construction and impeccable décor, eventually building for a countess, vice-president of Revlon of Canada, celebrities and those wanting homes of distinction. He built in locations such as Harbor Beach, Coral Ridge Country Club (Broward), The Sanctuary, St. Andrews and for himself in Gulfstream (Palm Beach). In 2003, Chuck transitioned into becoming a Real Estate Salesman for Wolf Realty in Boca Raton (which he loved), where he worked until 2014 at the age of 93. Most people would be very surprised to know that he was that old as it was never betrayed by his youthful appearance, knowledge of Real Estate, charm and quick wit. He was also an avid golfer who truly loved the game. He might still be at work if not for the tragedy of dementia, which began about three years ago, and slowly took its toll.

He died in his home, calmly, with the assistance of Hospice while his favorite music played in the background, and his wife, son and daughter with him. He may have lived what some would consider a "long time," but to his family and friends, it was not long enough. The only consolation is that his suffering from dementia is finally at an end. His last years were spent with his loving and devoted wife, helping him tirelessly each step of the way. He will be sorely missed, but wished much love on his journey into the next life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trustbridge, previously know as Hospice of Palm Beach County. (Click Here To Donate To Trustbridge Online)