Charles F. Vachris

Manhasset resident Charles F. Vachris, PE passed away Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014. He suffered a heart attack while playing basketball, a sport he loved. He was 75.
Charlie was born February 19, 1939 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Anthony and Helen Vachris. A graduate of Chaminade High School in Mineola, he attended Yale University where he graduated from the Engineering School with honors in 1961. Following his graduation from Yale, he served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers while stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was honorably discharged from the service as a Captain.
After earning a Masters degree at Columbia University he and his wife Gaye settled on Long Island, first in Roslyn and then, Manhasset. He worked for the family construction business, Vacar Construction, and in 1982 started his own consulting firm Vachris Engineering, P.C. which he led until the time of his death. During his career Charlie was renowned in the engineering and construction industries and very involved in numerous professional organizations including: the National Society of Professional Engineers, the New York State Society of Professional Engineers (from which he was named NY State “Young Engineer of the Year in 1973” as well as Nassau County “Engineer of the Year” in 1998), The American Council of Engineering Companies of New York, The American Society of Civil Engineers and The MOLES where he served as President from 1996-97.
An active member of the community he coached all of his sons (and many others) in PBC Football. He volunteered for the Manhasset High School Booster Club (President, 1996-97), the Chaminade High School Alumni Association (President, 1970-72), and at North Hempstead Country Club (Board of Governors, 2001-07). For over 36 years Charlie served the Village of Flower Hill in various capacities including Trustee, Deputy Mayor, and Village Engineer. This past July, Charlie was instrumental in the planning and construction of a new basketball facility which recently opened in Flower Hill and was dedicated in his honor.
He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather whose passions included basketball, playing golf, drinking Dark ‘n Stormy’s, and dancing with his wife Gaye. He will be truly missed by his family, friends, and business associates.
He is survived by his wife Gaye, his high school sweetheart and wife of 53 years; his 5 sons: Scott (Michelle), Christopher, David (Amy), Craig (Michelle), and Keith (Alison); 12 grandchildren: Trevor, Connor, Kyle, Madison, Maggie, Taylor, Brendan, Gunnar, Charlie, Sam, Paige, and Carter; siblings: Robert, Anthony, Jean, Richard, John, and Mary. He is predeceased by his parents Anthony and Helen, and his brother Paul.