Charles R. Shackford Jr.

Charles R. Shackford, Jr., age 81, of West Haven passed away on January 17, 2024. He was the loving husband of the late Melva L. (Chang) Shackford. Charles was born in New Haven, son of the late Charles Sr. and Anna (Waylett) Shackford. He is survived by his sons, Charles C. Shackford of Hawaii and William G. Shackford and his wife Jennifer and his grandson of Hamden; his brothers, Paul W. Shackford of MA, John D. Shackford and his wife JonAnn of CO, and James O. Shackford and his wife Joan of Cheshire; as well as his nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Charles was a proud veteran, serving in the United States Marine Corps since 1967, where he proudly ascended to the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. He served overseas in Okinawa during the Vietnam conflict and again in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm. He was the Post Commander of American Legion Post 1158 in New York City, annually participating in the Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony at Grand Central Terminal. He spent most of his career in the transportation industry working for various railroads, primarily for Metro-North Railroad, from which he retired after 26 years of service. Charles was an avid railfan, model train collector and history buff with a passion to travel across the USA, by train of course, with favorite stops in Utah, Florida, Colorado, and California. He loved and supported his family and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. His funeral procession will leave the funeral home on the morning of Friday, January 26, 2024 at 9:30 am for a Funeral Service at 10:00 am in the Church of the Holy Spirit. Interment, with military honors, will follow at the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles R. Shackford Jr., please visit our floral store.