Rolf "Chuck" Davey passed away on June 19, 2026, after a determined two-year fight against lung cancer. Chuck and his wife, Diane ("Danny"), were lifelong residents of Manchester by the Sea before moving to Sun City Center, Florida, in 2012.
Chuck was born in Beverly on November 10, 1934, and spent much of his childhood on Crow Island, where his parents served as caretakers of the estate. He was a member of the Story High School Class of 1952 before continuing his education at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, financing his studies by lobstering. It was during his train commute to Boston that he met Danny, the love of his life and his wife for 59 years, until her passing.
Chuck graduated from Wentworth, where he went on to teach for more than 40 years, serving in a variety of roles, including professor, department head, and dean. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Boston University, a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Cambridge College, and a Ph.D. in Administrative Education from Walden University. He also participated in the U.S. Army active reserves, Yankee Division from 1956 to 1963 after attending aviation school at Fort Rucker, AL.
Throughout his career, Chuck developed specialized courses for the military and industry and participated in the American Council on Education Military Evaluations Program. He held various Federal Aviation Administration certificates and ratings including that of a pilot. Chuck was active in the American Society for Engineering Education for many years, and in 1994, received the prestigious James H. McGraw Award in recognition of his accomplishments as an educator, administrator, and author in the field of engineering technology.
After retiring from teaching, Chuck spent his summers working at Gloucester Marina, allowing him to spend time on the water. He and Danny enjoyed traveling the world together during the winters, visiting 80 countries over the years.
Chuck is survived by his two children, Beth and Mark, and his beloved granddaughter, Carolyn, who proudly follows in her grandfather's aeronautical footsteps working in the United Airlines Operations Center at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
