Charles "Chuck" Lay

Charles “Chuck” Lay passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of curiosity, kindness, and deep love for those around him on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Chuck was preceded in death by his father, Charles, and his grandparents. He is survived by his beloved mother, Annice; his siblings, Mark and Amy; and his two children, Alana and Trey, who were very important and special to him. Chuck’s wish was for Alana and Trey to pursue all of their dreams and to become productive, thoughtful contributors to the world. He also looked forward to one day becoming a grandfather—a role he was already imagining with joy—and he had even chosen the name he hoped to be called: “Pops.”

Chuck was a lifelong learner and an intellectual at heart. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University, where he studied Engineering and Mathematics, and later earned his MBA from the University of Chicago. His career reflected both his brilliance and his curiosity—he never settled into stagnation, always seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow.

Over the course of his professional journey, Chuck wore many hats. He served as a teacher, an Assistant Dean at DeVry University, a Cisco Academy instructor, and worked in Information Technology at O’Hare International Airport. At his core, he was an entrepreneur—constantly learning, evolving, and exploring new ideas.

Beyond his accomplishments, Chuck will be remembered for who he was. He was kind, gentle, and a gifted storyteller who could captivate a room with his words. He was an avid reader with a deep interest in politics and a strong belief in the importance of learning from history. He cared deeply about the world and hoped future generations would carry forward the lessons of the past.

In 2023, Chuck met the love of his life, Gina. They were married in 2024, beginning a chapter filled with love, companionship, and shared joy. Though their time together was far too short, their bond was profound and transformative—a love that changed both of their lives forever.

Chuck’s presence, wisdom, and warmth will be deeply missed, but his spirit lives on in the lives he touched and the stories he shared.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7