Charles Richard Caro, Jr.
April 17, 1929–September 23, 2023
Charles, known as "Chuck" by his friends and family, was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. In keeping with Kentucky's Pioneer tradition, he bravely moved to Florida to use his abilities to help explore the next American frontier. His professional accomplishments and sense of adventure were always in service to his family and country. Although he became a world traveler in his retirement years, his heart was always in the Bluegrass State, and he looked forward with particular excitement to the yearly pilgrimage to his beloved Louisville.

The son of a Louisville Slugger employee, Chuck came honestly to his love for sports, although he admitted to his grandchildren that most of his own athletic accomplishments took place just after a prank. A graduate of DuPont Manual High School (Class of 1947) and the University of
Louisville (Chemistry), he remained an active alum and proud Crimson/Cardinal the whole of his life. Chuck also served in the United States Air Force, using his gifts and abilities in the Korean War.

On September 1,1951, Chuck married his high school sweetheart, Happy Boegel. After meeting, and then courting, through the United Methodist Youth Fellowship, Chuck and Happy were married at St. Paul United Methodist Church, where they were members. Happy was the heartbeat of their social life and the purest demonstration of Chuck's ability to judge character. They spent their first years together in their beloved Louisville, amidst the strong support of their close knit families. Though this time was marked by the sorrow of burying their first infant daughter, they soon welcomed with joy their son, Gregg, in 1957, and he was followed by Julie and Lisa.

At Happy's encouragement, Chuck applied for a position with the newly established National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), where his professional skills and Air Force service earned him a position. In 1963, the family moved to Florida, where Chuck worked at the
Cape Canaveral Space Center. His career as a Master Planner utilized his attention to detail and observational skills to help propel space exploration during the most competitive years of the "Space Race." His time with NASA spanned from the construction of the Space Center and
the Vertical Assembly Building (VAB), the Apollo-Saturn V programs, through the Space Shuttle Program. As children, we were able to watch many of these launches from our driveway.

Chuck and Happy became an integral part of building community, hospitality, and economic progress in their small town on the newly developing East coast of central Florida. They were active members of Titusville United Methodist Church, where Chuck served as deacon, and
Happy was president of their Sunday school class. Their public spirited pursuits served as an example to their children who have served as a Naval Officer, an oncology researcher, and an educator.

When Chuck retired from professional life, he would have devoted his time to cultivating fruit trees and watching college sports. He was not, however, left to his own devices. At Happy's insistence, he not only learned to play golf, but also began chauffeuring her around the country,
delivering cookies and crafts to children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition, they made annual pilgrimages to Louisville for the Derby and family and school reunions, sustaining their relationships with family and friends. To everyone's surprise, perhaps even to his own,
Chuck learned how to cruise. With overstuffed bags, he and Happy made their way around Mexico, the Caribbean, and Western Europe, earning their keep by offering putting lessons and craft classes on board, often with extended family members joining them.

What Chuck's professional accomplishments and hobbies won't tell you about is his thoughtful attention to remembrance. He was an avid photographer and sometimes videographer. He curated images of his own parents and his early years, family vacations, and Happy's
accomplishments as a seamstress and artist. His work preserved the accomplishments and memories of each generation from his parents to his grandchildren. He also enjoyed being on the receiving end, as he welcomed and treasured digital images of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In 2019, Chuck made an unanticipated journey to Southern California. For three years he was lovingly cared for by his daughter, Julie, and granddaughters, Meaghan and Lindsay. He spent his final days with his family, overlooking the San Gabriel Valley and the lights of Los Angeles.

Chuck is remembered by his brother, Wayne, his sisters-In-law, Charlotte (Doug) and Nancy, his children Gregg Caro (April), Julie Kilpatrick (Fred), and Lisa King (Jonathan); nine grandchildren Anna, Emily, Meaghan, Lindsay, Joshua (Christina), Nicholas (Rachel), Rebecca, Benjamin, and Lillian; and four great-grandchildren Calvin, Sophia, Ada, and Frances.

His funeral is 11am Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Fern Creek Funeral Home, 5406 Bardstown Road with  burial in Resthaven Memorial Park at 10am Monday, October 16, 2023 (please meet inside the gates of the cemetery).  Visitation is after 10am Saturday until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers please consider contributions to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.