Chuck A. Nadeau

Charles "Chuck" Nadeau, 42, who resided in North Chelmsford, has left this life after a lengthy and courageous battle with mental illness on Thursday, September 28, 2023. He was the devoted husband of Beth (Santoro) Nadeau with whom he loved and cherished since the age of 14. Although their marriage was cut tragically short, they spent 27 years celebrating "their day," October 14th, the anniversary of the day they met.
Chuck was born in Lynn, MA and was the son of Joan (Manchester) Slaney of Dracut and the late Alan Nadeau. He was the beloved stepson of the late Stephen Slaney who he lovingly referred to as Bubba.
Chuck started every day before the sunrise. He ran on Dunkin Medium Hazelnut extra, extra. He took pride in his sense of fashion, although we all questioned his JNCO jeans phase. He was always the most handsome man in the room, and boy did he know it.
He was raised in Lowell, where he attended Lowell High School and made some life-long friends in Show Choir. He was a former member of The Fraternal Brotherhood of DeMolay, Lowell Chapter. He loved art. He created breathtaking sketches and drawings as a child. As he got older, he wielded cans of spray paint and created elaborate works of art on buildings in Lowell.
He spent years as a carpenter, and enjoyed learning many trades. He often bragged that all he needed was a plumber, because the rest of the house could be built by his hands alone.
Through work and in his travels, Chuck loved meeting new people. His bright eyed smile and charisma made it easy for him to strike up conversations with strangers. He made friends with anyone wearing a scally cap by complimenting their great taste in hats. All bets were off if you were walking a dog. Chuck would ask their names, their breed and give them lots of attention. He was a huge dog lover, but he had many special cats in his life including Spaz, Salty, Pepper and Jay Gatsby.
Chuck was very proud of his accomplishments at both ITT Tech and Wentworth Institute of Technology where he graduated at the top of his class with a Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management. In 2008 he started focusing on CAD work. He most recently worked as a Design Engineer at Ipswich Bay Glass and at A&A Windows. This work challenged him and although he referred to his designs as, "drawing pictures and coloring," he enjoyed it immensely.
When he had a moment away from work, he loved going to the cinema to watch Marvel movies (IN ORDER!). He loved Star Trek, and he loved his Thromies. He started an online movie community called Geek Out that he ran for 8 years. He preferred Iron Man over Captain America. His wife let that slide.
Although plagued with back pain, he found relief while hiking and mountain climbing. He was always eager to capture a stunning panoramic photo that represented the accomplishment he felt after the climb, and the peace he found at the summit. He enjoyed walking along Marginal Way in Ogunquit and relaxing on Lake Winnipesaukee with a Travis McGee novel.
Chuck often focused on others in need. He would literally remove a layer of clothing to pass it on to someone who he felt "needed it more." His needs were often the last he focused on. He cherished the people in his life who provided him with the reassurance that he was worthy of love, and he harnessed strength from all of you. He wanted to be remembered as a good man.
In addition to his loving wife, Chuck leaves his daughter Chloe Nadeau, his stepdaughter Adele Tatten, and his in-laws Susan and John Santoro, who adored him. He leaves his sister Kim Nadeau and her partner Rob Toppi; and brother-in-law Chris Santoro. Chuck was a proud uncle to Tyler, Meghan, Brendon, Michael and Alex Jewell. He leaves many friends, relatives, counselors, coworkers, and neighbors that influenced him and brought so much joy to his life.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 4 – 7 pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Thursday at 11 am. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, please speak honestly and compassionately about mental illness. Be present and patient with each other's journeys. Approach battles of addiction without judgment. Reflect on the beautiful light inside of each other, even when that light is no longer able to shine. Find joy in music, and dance in the kitchen.
Memorial donations may be made in his memory through a gofundme page at this link, gofundme.com/, to support his wife and daughters as they move forward without him.