Charles William Rock of Baldwinsville, N.Y., and Oak Bluffs, died peacefully on Oct. 12.

Born in New Bedford on Jan. 16, 1942, Chuck attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School where he served as an altar boy at the church. He studied at University of Massachusetts at Amherst where he earned a bachelor of science degree in urban planning and development. Enthused by the young President John F. Kennedy, he joined the Peace Corps and went to Tanzania. He eventually received a full scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh to complete a master’s degree in urban and regional planning.

After working in planning around the country and in St. Croix, Chuck joined the New York State Urban Development Corporation in the development of a planned community named Radisson. He served on its board and was recognized for his continued dedication to the community. He had the distinction of building the first home in the new community and lived there for 45 years, launching a successful family business with his wife Diane.

Chuck shared his love of travel and adventure with Diane and his entire family with particular passion for sailing and biking. He had a second home on the Vineyard and served tirelessly on community boards, including the Hidden Cove property owners association, Hillside Village board, Oak Bluffs Community Preservation Committee and Oak Bluff bike committee. For years he could be found maintaining and sailing his beloved Tanzar 22 which he brought from Skaneateles, N.Y., providing endless adventures for his grandchildren.

He was an avid reader of historical nonfiction and loved keeping track of his investments. The highlights of his last year were bike trips to Michigan and Quebec, a sailing adventure with his sons off of Key West, taking his granddaughter, Cecelia, to Costa Rica, traveling to Spain with Diane, enjoying Fleet Week New York with his son Charles and family, and a family reunion of 40 in one house in the Outer Banks. During his time in central New York, he was dedicated to swimming and exercising at the YMCA before the sun would rise.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; three sons Charles, Christopher and Patrick; six grandchildren; a sister, Barbara, and half-sister, Nancy; several nephews, a niece and cousins.

A funeral mass was celebrated in St. Augustine’s Church in Baldwinsville by his nephew, the Rev. Father Michael Racine of the Fall River Diocese. Interment was at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery in Baldwinsville.

Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org or Sail MV at sailmv.org.