Charles M. "Marv" Achilles

The Villages, Florida - Charles M. Achilles (aka Marv), age 76, passed away Friday (February 8, 2013) while having the time of his life on a Caribbean Cruise.
A celebration of his life will be held during the summer in Geneva, N.Y. and at the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration Annual Meeting in August.
Memorial contributions may be made to: NCPEA Memorial Fund for Chuck Achilles, c/o Dr. James Berry, 304 Porter Bldg. Dept. of Leadership & Counseling, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197,Geneva Public Library, or Charles M. Achilles Scholarship in Educational Leadership at Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Chuck was born in Geneva, N.Y. on September 9, 1936, the son of William E. and Tena Ann Achilles. He graduated from Geneva High School in 1953. He served in the United States Army from 1955-1957 where he spent 14 months as the local director of the American Youth Activities in Germany. This experience had a great influence upon his decision to devote his life to the field of education. After returning to Geneva in 1957, he went on to earn AB, MA, EdS and EdD degrees from the University of Rochester.
During his academic career he taught at Hebron Academy in Maine, University of California Berkley, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Nova Southeastern University Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., University of North Carolina Greensboro, Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, Mich., and Seton Hall University South Orange, N.J. He enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the field of education where he made exceptional contributions at all levels. He was well published with over 1000 papers and 17 books on various aspects of education. He was one of four principal investigators of the prestigious Tennessee STAR (Student-Teacher Achievement Ratio) Experiment a small class-size study. Chuck was a member and officer of numerous educational societies, including NCPEA, MSERA, AERA, and AASA. In the foremost professional organization in his field, NCPEA, he served as its President in1997 and was awarded the prestigious NCPEA Living Legend Award in 2001. Before his recent move to Florida, he was an advisor to the Ed and Gerry Cuony Scholarship, served on the board of Head Start, and was a member of the Geneva Country Club and The Presbyterian Church in Geneva.
Chuck loved wine. His appreciation began in the mid 1960's while living in California near the developing Napa Valley wine industry. He enjoyed sharing his expertise on wine with friends and taught wine appreciation while at the University of Tennessee. He was a founding member of the Tennessee Wine Society and was knighted into the "La Croix de Bourgogne" in France. Recently, he had begun writing a book about growing up in Geneva called "Memories of a Part-Time Roustabout" (aka "Working at Warder Tents"). Among his many other interests were reading, playing bridge, shuffleboard, bocce, and enjoying his recent retirement in The Villages in Florida.
Chuck is survived by his wife Karen; his daughter, Christina Ann Achilles of Knoxville, Tenn.; his sister-in-law, Margene Achilles; nephews, William Achilles (Michiko), Peter Achilles (Mary), Stephen (Donna), David Achilles (Rebecca); and niece, Gretchen Achilles, several great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and grandchildren.
He was pre-deceased by his first wife, Margaret Nester Achilles; brother, William Achilles; and nephew, Thomas Achilles.
Arrangements have been entursted to the DeVaney-Bennett Funeral Home.
For those wishing to write a note of condolence, please visit http://www.devaneybennettfh.com/.