Charles Austin "Chuck" Mackenzie

Charles Austin Mackenzie, better known as Chuck, of Palm Bay, Florida passed away on September 15, 2025 at the age of 76. Chuck was born in Providence, Rhode Island on January 29, 1949 to Jeanette and Charles Mackenzie. The 2nd of six children, Chuck was raised in Brooklyn, New York and West Hempstead, New York. He graduated from West Hempstead High School in 1966. His higher educational pursuits led him to Nassau CC, SUNY-Brockport, SUNY-Old Westbury (BA), and Dowling (MA). Chuck was an accomplished athlete, setting Nassau County High School track & Field records and earning Junior College All-American honors. He became a long standing elementary school teacher in the Uniondale UFSD.

Chuck needed time to find his true calling: teaching. After his first stint in college, he hitchhiked across America, finding once in a lifetime adventures along the way. When that journey ended, he came home with longer hair and even longer tales. Soon he became a painter, a handyman, a salesperson; finding jobs with his crew of friends. His crew was close and each buddy had a nickname. He loved music. He played the harmonica like Stevie Wonder and sang like James Taylor. He loved the ocean and the beaches of Long Island.

If he was on his surfboard, he was in his element. He loved playing sports and rooting for his favorite teams like the Jets and the Islanders. Many a Friday night, he would play pick up basketball. And, despite his many knee injuries, he could still jump out of the gym and shoot like a pro. Chuck had a quirky sense of humor, influenced by the Marx Brothers, George Carlin and Monty Python. When his humor hit you, it was a whole body experience. Chuck became a well regarded and loved teacher as a late starter to the profession. Understanding that his students came to school hungry, he brought cereal to school. Feeding his students led to achievement increases.

Chuck made his mark, touching so many along the way. We know Chuck crossed over to a better place, to share his stories, humor, and extraordinary abilities. We know that he's making the room laugh. We will sorely miss him.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Jeanette and Charles Mackenzie; brothers-in-law, Michael Mainland and Steve DiMaggio; his nephew Jonathan Allen and his cherished dog of 19 years, Lily Koi. He is survived by siblings Kathy Mainland, Linda Doherty, Lori and (brother-in-law) John Allen, Donna DiMaggio, and Scott and (sister-in-law) Michelle Mackenzie. He is also survived by his many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.