WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Charles John Fuqua peacefully passed away at home on January 19, 2019, surrounded by his family.



Charlie was born to John Howe Fuqua and Gillian Quennell Fuqua on October 5, 1935, in Paris, France, and grew up in Arlington, Virginia. He graduated from Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C., in 1953 and Princeton University in 1957. He served for three years in the U.S. Navy, mostly in the Pacific, followed by 11 years in the reserves, retiring as a Lt. Commander. He earned a Ph.D. in Classics from Cornell University in 1964. It was there that he met and married his wife of 57 years, Mary.



After teaching for two years at Dartmouth College, he joined the faculty of Williams College in 1966 as chair of the Department of Classics. As the Garfield Professor of Ancient Languages, Charlie taught Greek and Latin at Williams until his retirement in 2003. During his tenure, Charlie drafted the now well-known "Fuqua Letter," which pioneered the concept of transparency in the tenure process for higher education. Charlie’s first love was teaching students. He is remembered fondly by many former students, and the Fuqua Tutorial at Williams College was established in his honor.



Charlie was a lifelong learner and educator. He continued his scholarly activities through his his retirement, exploring both new and favorite areas of the ancient world.  He also found great joy as a volunteer tutor at the Kurn Hattin Homes for Children in Westminster, Vt. For many years, he was a dedicated hospice volunteer. Charlie will be remembered for his enthusiasm, warmth of personality and sense of humor.



Charlie is survived by his wife, Mary Morse Fuqua; three children, Andrew Fuqua of Somerville, Mass., Gillian Fuqua of Putnamville, Vt., and David Karma Choephel of Namo Buddha, Nepal; granddaughter Madeleine Miller of Putnamville, Vt.; and his brothers Nick Ryder of Arizona, and Paul Fuqua of Virginia. He is also survived by his faithful breakfast companion Farnsworth and was predeceased by several other feline friends.



Charlie greatly respected and appreciated all who provided him care and assistance over the years. On his behalf, Charlie's family would like to express their deepest thanks to all those who have cared for him over the years, including his caregivers Barbara Hidalgo and Krista Dickey; the caregivers from HospiceCare in the Berkshires; and the nurses, technicians and physicians of the BMC dialysis service who provided him comfort, care and support over the years.



Funeral notice: A funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick and Raphael Church in Williamstown on Friday, January 25, 2019, at 2 p.m., to be followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie's memory may be made to the Kurn Hattin Homes for Children. Donations may be made online or by mail to Kurn Hattin Home, P.O. Box 127, Westminster, VT 05158.