Chuck was born and raised in Buffalo, NY, where he attended Hutchinson Central Technical High School and played on the championship tennis team. It was here at Hutch-Tech that his passion for art first emerged. Chuck continued his artistic pursuits at both the University of Buffalo and the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York City. Over his career, he worked with several organizations including Vision and Design, Bestline, and Realty World.

However, it was a remarkable weather event that dramatically shaped Chuck's life.

During the Blizzard of '77, Chuck, like many Western New Yorkers, found himself stranded 40 miles from home. Demonstrating camaraderie and WNY spirit, he helped several motorists reach safety at a Silver Creek fire station. With his new companions, Chuck spent the next couple of days there playing cards, exchanging stories, and embodying the friendly nature people loved about him.

Upon returning home two days later, Chuck saw his son Paul playing with a toy car on a homemade play mat, decorated with snow drifts and icy roads. Inspired by this scene, Chuck created the Blizzard of ’77 Travel Game to memorialize the historic storm.

Chuck's family, including his wife Donna, soon joined him in the board game business as Blizzard of ’77 became a local phenomenon. He remained active in the game industry until retirement.

Building on his initial success, Chuck partnered with Channel 7 WKBW television to develop the Eyewitness Newsgame, which supported the Buffalo Variety Club for Children’s Hospital. His hometown pride inspired him to create the “Buffalo Style” Chicken Wing game, paying tribute to Buffalo's legendary culinary creation.

Chuck was a dedicated philanthropist; he and his family contributed generously to the Buffalo community. Their efforts raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through events like the Children’s Hospital Bowl-a-Thon and Toys-for-Tots campaigns. In support of youth programs, Chuck also led a Junior Achievement fundraiser that resulted in constructing a 55-foot-tall snowman, the world’s tallest at the time.

After retiring in Western New York, Chuck enjoyed cheering for the Buffalo Bills, fishing, spending time with family, and caring for his pets.

Sadly, Chuck passed away after battling Alzheimer’s in 2020.

If Chuck were with us now, he would surely encourage us to celebrate the “City of Good Neighbors,” highlighting how Buffalo came together to overcome one of its most memorable storms.