Charles Spellen Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Charles (Chuck) Spellen on May 8, 2026 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. He passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends.

Chuck was born in Toronto, on October 24, 1937, to John Dennis Spellen and Frances Felice Kathleen Reilly and he was a welcome final addition to an already large and close family as the baby of the clan.

After graduating from Pickering District High School in 1957, Chuck attended the Ontario College of Education to obtain his teaching credentials, and after a short time working at Donovan C.V.I., he started at O'Neill C.V.I. where he spent the majority of his career. Later, he attended both night and summer school at the University of Toronto and was granted his Bachelor of Arts degree.

He retired in 1991 from O'Neill C.V.I. high school after a long career leading the Industrial Arts department where he was a tireless advocate for students eager to learn. He impacted the lives of countless students who continued to approach and thank him for decades after he retired.

Chuck was a teacher, artist and gifted craftsman. He was a devoted community member and volunteer, and a dear friend and favourite uncle. Imbued with a legendary work ethic, he was always the first to offer help with any project. He and his loving wife Carole worked together on many projects and they truly built a legacy of love together. With his sparkling blue eyes and infectious smile, Chuck always had time for everyone and putting others' needs ahead of his own was a core value.

Chuck was the loving husband of 63 years to Carole Spellen (nee Brown) who passed away in September 2024. Chuck is survived by his children Melissa (Walter Leahy) and Anthony. He is predeceased by his siblings Mary, Lawrence, Tom, Jack, Anne and Catherine.

A loving brother in law to Carole's siblings - Adele, Judy, Gus and Stephen - as well as a favourite Uncle to many nieces and nephews on both sides, Chuck's passing will leave a tremendous void in the lives of many treasured family members and friends.

The visitation will be held at Barnes Funeral Home, 5295 Thickson Road N, Whitby on May 15, 2026 from 4-7pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 1103 Giffard St, Whitby on May 16, 2026 at 10:30am followed immediately by a reception at Barnes Funeral Home. Interment of cremated remains will take place at a later date where he and Carole will rest together at the Resurrection Cemetery in Whitby.

If desired, donations to the ALS society or Lakeridge Health Oshawa (Palliative Care Unit) would be appreciated.

Messages of condolences and shared memories may be left for the family by visiting barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com.

Reception will take place at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home immediately following the funeral mass.