Charles “Chuck” Edwin Dunlap, 80, a proud U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025. Completing his most important mission and returning home to eternal peace to be with his previously deceased parents, Vaughn and Wanda Dunlap, and his beloved grandparents, Wallace and Pearl Oswald.

Born on D-Day, June 6, 1945, in Pomona, California, Charles was an only child. From an early age, he showed the independence, curiosity, and fortitude that would come to define him. He grew up exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains, fishing, camping, and adventuring with family and friends. A bright student at Upland High School, he competed on the track team as a high jumper. His passion for American automotive engineering led him to work as a service technician at a local Ford Dealership upon graduation. The son of a World War II veteran, Chuck, answered the call to serve his country.

In June 1965, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, knowing he would be deployed to Vietnam. In keeping with his sense of adventure and desire for new experiences, he chose basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, over Fort Ord in California. A simple twist of fate—the promise of an air-conditioned room to escape the Louisiana heat—led him to take the Special Forces test, a path that would shape his life. He excelled in his training, becoming a combat medic and deploying overseas with the 1st Special Forces in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as an X-Ray Technician. He was soon after deployed to Thailand, where he served under the State Department, providing vaccines to locals and gathering intelligence. He spoke fondly of his time there, boasting that when other soldiers had to return to base for curfew, he and his interpreter would cross the Ma Kong River to Laos to indulge in beers, delicious French food, and Laotian nightlife.

In January 1968, Chuck was deployed with the 5th Special Forces MAC V SOG to Kantoom, Vietnam, completing his tour in June of that year. He served honorably and with valor, earning the Bronze Star with "V" for Valor and the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism. Chuck served with humility, courage, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to others—qualities he demonstrated both during his service and upon his return home.

After the military, Chuck found purpose in building, both homes and a life. He settled in New York with Deborah Roth, where they raised their children and founded Chase Development Inc. Chuck had a keen eye for design and a craftsman’s touch, transforming houses into warm, creative spaces across Ontario County. He was known for using unconventional materials, trusting his instincts more than trends.

Chuck was also a devoted racing fan, never missing a NASCAR, Indy, or Formula 1 race. He owned a long line of fast cars—from Corvettes to Mustangs and a beloved Datsun Z. Chuck loved attending races at Watkins Glen, Daytona, the Poconos, and especially Canandaigua Raceway Land of Legends. Just this past June, he attended the Cracker Barrel 400 in Nashville with his beloved partner, Karen—sharing the city he once called home nearly 50 years ago.

To his children—Brandon, Chase (Brittan), Heather (Patrick), and Colin—and to his five cherished grandchildren—Cameron, Noah, Caleb, Boden, and Hadley—he was known simply and lovingly as “Papa Chuck.” He did not teach with lectures; he taught by how he lived. By rising before the sun, giving his best to every task, helping others without hesitation, and never sweating the small stuff, he showed what quiet strength looked like. He also had a warm sense of humor, always ready with a gentle tease or a silly joke to bring a smile.

Chuck was a man of quiet generosity, whether it was a simple offering of candy, a box of Girl Scout cookies from his granddaughter, helping a fellow veteran, or a kind gesture to a stranger. He often stopped to replace worn-out American flags at local businesses or homes, a small act that reflected his deep patriotism and sense of duty. He listened more than he spoke, approaching others with curiosity and respect.

Though we are heartbroken by his passing, we are proud of the life he lived, rooted in honor, love, and purpose. His was a life well-lived, and we are forever better for having known him.

Funeral and Memorial Information:

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, September 21, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Fuller Funeral Home, Inc. 190 Buffalo St. Canandaigua. The service will conclude with military honors and a flag presentation to the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canandaigua VA Food Bank, Make checks payable to Canandaigua VAMC with the desired account indicated which is VA Food Pantry #1406 and mail to: VA Medical Center, c/o CDCE-135, Canandaigua, New York 14424, or the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org.

To share a memory or express condolences online, please visit www.fullerfh.com