Name: Visitation for Charles "Chuck" McFarland
Start: 2015-01-03T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-01-04T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home - Altamonte Dr.

McFarland, Charles ChuckSenior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Tri-City Electrical Contractors, Inc. passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Saturday, December 27th. Chuck had been with Tri-City since 1995 and was responsible for all financial management and reporting, as well as all administrative departments of the Company, including information systems, human resources, safety and training, purchasing, fleet maintenance and contract administration. A Certified Public Accountant, Chuck had over forty years' experience providing financial and administrative management expertise in the construction industry. As CFO at Tri-City, Chuck led the company through many challenging times, through economic peaks and valleys, through the sale of the company in 1998 to its buyback by senior management in 2003. His financial expertise was widely recognized by construction, accounting, banking and insurance professionals. Ever with his eye on excellence, Chuck could find the humor in any given situation, even if it was at his own expense. He was a leader, mentor, friend and advocate for all Tri-City employees and was the author of many, often anonymous, kindnesses to employees in need. He encouraged education, whether it was a trade apprentice program or an academic degree to the point where, at his urging, the Board of Directors established a scholarship program for children and grandchildren of Tri-City employees. Previous to his employment with Tri-City, he served as Vice President and Treasurer of one of the nation's largest electrical contractors and as President and CEO of a national communications construction engineering and service company. A U.S. Naval Officer, Chuck served as a Supply Officer aboard the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1967 from Manhattan College. Chuck was an avid reader, especially military history and held anyone who had served or is currently serving in the military in the highest regard. And he loved spending time with his grandchildren! Chuck McFarland led by example and will be missed by everyone at Tri-City Electrical Contractors, Inc. His legacy to our company is the standard of excellence he provided and the friendship and support he gave to us all.

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Published by Orlando Sentinel from Jan. 3 to Jan. 4, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles McFarland

Sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel.

32 Entries

August 8, 2015

Chuck and I worked together in the Supply Department of the USS John F. Kennedy. We also shared the same state room. He was a fine Naval Officer. I am saddened to hear he is no longer with us.

Tom Creed

The best boss ever

Kerry Hodges

January 28, 2015

Jim Szczepanik

January 14, 2015

I only knew Chuck for three years. Having read the other entries in this guest book, I'm impressed with the mark Chuck made on peoples' lives in his 68 years. I agree with all of the sentiments expressed here relating to Chuck's compassion, love of family, professionalism in work, love of life and sense of humor. We will miss him deeply; God really has recruited a great guy.

Becky McFarland Dawson

January 9, 2015

I had the pleasure and priviledge of being Billy McFarland's first cousin. His Dad and my Dad are brothers.I can still remember the first time we met Uncle Earl,Aunt Bern,Betty Ann,Jane, Billy and their families. They all came down to Mississippi from New York, which seemed eons away .I can still remember laughing at the way those New Yorkers said "Potaaato Chip". After that visit Billy came down many more times to visit, hunt etc. I can say the times Billy came down, I learned he was one of the most caring, sincere, and humerous person you could ever know. He was such a compassionate and caring person to my Mom and Dad and I shall always remember and love him. I know he has left a huge gap in his family's hearts, but just know he loved beyond measure and from the condolences, I can see that stretched for miles and miles. I love MY FAMILY!!

Betty Kopp

January 9, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers our with you always

USS JFK (CVA/CV 67)

Bob Haner

January 6, 2015

6JAN15.0848 - On behalf of all Chuck's Shipmates on the JFK, let me offer our condolences to his family and friends, on his passing. If there's anything we can do to help, let us know. Rest in Peace Shipmate, your earthly voyage has come to and end. TCAMGB (Take care and may God Bless). Very Respectfully, Bob Haner, President, USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CVA/CV 67 and CVN 79) Association

January 5, 2015

I had the opportunity to work with Chuck several years ago. He was a true professional and exceptional CFO. I extend my sympathies to his family members.
Steve Elker, Managing Partner (Retired), KPMG LLP.

Cyril Silan

January 5, 2015

It has been years since I worked at Tri-City but every tiime I come for a visit and I see Chuck, he would give me a bear hug like a father would give a daughter he has not seen for ages. He asks about my family and how I am doing. And I am always pleasantly surprised that he remembers previous conversations. That was Chuck - he genuinely was interested in knowing people; he made everyone feel like family.
I will greatly miss Chuck. I am so grateful I got to know him.
My deepest condolences to his family.

Sheryl Stevens-Rinehart

January 4, 2015

I will remember Chuck most for his great sense of humor.

TIm Moorhead

January 4, 2015

To Chuck's family, my sincere condolences and sympathy, he was truly a good man,
To Chuck's co-workers, again my condolences, you have lost a shining example, a passionate negotiator, a hard worker. Never to be replaced.
To the US Navy, congratulations on having left such a lasting impression on such a man,
and to Chuck,
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Dave Mosley

January 3, 2015

Very sorry to hear of the passing of a good man in Chuck McFarland. He will be missed.

fjohn reinke (mc1968)

January 3, 2015

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.

Ashley Leming

January 2, 2015

Mr. McFarland is a wonderful man who is truly missed. The first time I passed Mr. McFarland in the hallway he greeted me by name even though I didn't have a clue who he was. That is something that you do not forget, just like Mr. McFarland he will not be forgotten. I honestly couldn't have found a better home or family than Tri-City.

Edgar Jobes

January 2, 2015

I meet Chuck as an employee of Tri City. During casual conversations I discovered he was a former Naval Officer and I was a Grunt Marine. We never decided which was the better branch of Service. When I retired from Tri City I found he was a true friend. We had lunch once a month and solved most of the worlds problems. I'll miss Chuck's friendship

January 2, 2015

Charles and my sister Cynthia had the two most wonderful children William and. Kelly. all my sadness and love to you both.

Michael Reedich

January 1, 2015

I met Chuck through my aunt, Cathy Kennedy, when I came to Florida just after my father passed away in January 2013. Chuck immediately befriended me and after realizing we had a few common acquaintances, we talked for hours. Over the next few months, he provided wise and helpful advice to me regarding issues with my father's estate and began referring to himself as my "Irish Uncle." He was there for me during a very difficult time.
I was fortunate to visit Chuck and Cathy several times over the past two years and came to know him well. His intelligence, affability and kindness were perfectly complemented by his unpretentiousness and earthy sense of humor. A brilliant gentleman, but ever a Bronx boy in the most endearing sense. A true pleasure to be around. He will be missed terribly by so many.

My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his children, family, friends and colleagues.

Judy Hedlund

January 1, 2015

k when he accompanied my fried Cathy to our high school reunion. I was so impressed by how much they loved and cared for each other. I was so happy for each of them that they found each other. And, I'm so sad that it ended so soon and so suddenly. I wish you strength in this time of mourning and good memories to carry you through.

Sonja Pahl

December 31, 2014

Chuck hired me in 1977 when he worked for Comstock in Danbury, Ct. And I must say it was my dream job, he gave me all the confidence to do a good job. My condolences to his Family.

Patricia Lennon

December 31, 2014

We knew him as Billy in the Bronx and he was the best big brother next door.He always saw the humor in any situation and was a true friend to all the McPartlins.

Cindy Bargo

December 31, 2014

I am lucky to have worked with Chuck for 15 years. I was also lucky to have him as a mentor and friend. I will miss him greatly. I hope, in time, his family will find some comfort in wonderful, happy memories.

Kate Sullivan-Tranchetti

December 31, 2014

My best friend, Jane, has lost her big brother "Billy" with whom she was extremely close - he was a great family man, who loved & cared for family/friends; the epitome of a wonderful brother. He will be fondly remembered by many. God Bless Jane and her wonderful family who are heartbroken - Prayers and Love. Kate

Marcia Malon Wrang

December 31, 2014

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear brother-in-law Chuck. To his parents, sisters, children and grandchildren, Chuck was an extraordinary man. There are many who will mourn deeply his passing as his was a life of service, love, compassion and excellence. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Jane Hodges

December 30, 2014

I am fortunate to have worked with Chuck at Tri-City for many years but even more so to have been able to call him friend. He was one of those rare individuals who had both great intelligence and common sense, matched with great compassion and caring. And his wit was a delight--you could always count on Chuck to find the humor in any given situation, even if it was at his own expense. He was larger than life and the hole his passing leaves is of equal measure. My life, and that of so many others, is better because Chuck was a part of it and I will miss this extraordinary man.

Kerry Hodges

December 30, 2014

Chuck was an amazing man. He took me under his wing and believed in me so much. My Mentor for sure. He treated me like I was important and very special. I will miss him calling me Dollie.

My heart goes out to his children, family, and friends.

Chuck was one of a kind. No one can ever replace him because he was the real deal. My heart aches and I will miss him.

The candle goes to his children.

Mr.Chuck McFarland May you rest in peace and one day we will all see you again

Kerry Hodges

December 30, 2014

Chuck was an amazing man. He believed in me truly and took me under his wing at Tri-City. Definitely my mentor and I'll miss being called Dollie. My heart goes out to all his children. Bill, Kelly, Keri, and Laura and his friends. All of you are in my prayers and if you need anything don't hesitate to talk to me.

Chuck was one of a kind and believed in the right thing. I miss him so much and no one can fill his shoes in this life time. My heart is aching. He treated me like a princess and made me feel so important!

Mr. Chuck McFarland our CFO at Tri-city may you rest in peace. We love you always!

Susan Schafer

December 30, 2014

To Chuck's children, grandchildren & parents - Chuck was a kind, compassionate man with a heart for others. He led Tri-City with brilliance through so many tough times. He was not only a tremendous CFO but also a dear friend who always cared. Rest in peace Chuck; you are greatly missed.

george Parsons

December 30, 2014

He was a great person and will be missed
George and Florence parsons

Cheryl Lulli

December 30, 2014

Chuck was an amazing, caring man that I was blessed to have in my life for many years. I will always love him and miss him terribly.

December 30, 2014

Our hearts are heavy over the passing of Chuck. He was a dear friend and did more to help others than anyone we have ever known. He was very special to us.
Bill and Phyllis Brown, New Port Richey, FL

December 30, 2014

So very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Chuck, prayers and strength are sent to the entire family. Tom and Jane O'Connor

Mike & Kathy Calnin

December 29, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grieving and loss. Our hope is that you find comfort in memories.

Cary Fields

December 29, 2014

I've only had the opportunity to have known you a little more than a year, but I will always cherish the talks we had together, Kim and I will miss you dearly. You were the rock of your family and know they are all hurting. May you Rest In Peace my friend.

Cary and Kim your Minorca neighbors!

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