Charles 'Chas' G Treadwell

Charles (Chas) G. Treadwell, age 66

Troy - Charles (Chas) G. Treadwell, age 66, residing on Westover Road, Troy with his cherished wife, Micheileen, and beloved son, Michael, died Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at Albany Medical Center. He had battled heroically against multiple myeloma, a terminal blood cancer for almost two years.

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Charles H. Treadwell and Betty M. Lorello Treadwell. Chas graduated from West Haven High School as well as Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) where he obtained both Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

When diagnosed with multiple myeloma, Chas retired from his position as Executive Director of the Higher Education Loan Program at the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC). He had served the corporation in many capacities over almost 40 years working in research and policy analysis; initiating the federal relations arm of NYSHESC and assisting the Corporation's president in critical areas.

He was instrumental in launching programs to help young people obtain higher education such as GEAR UP and Capital Region Sponsor A Scholar that helped middle and high school students prepare for college. A NYSHESC colleague recently noted , "Chas wrote so much federal and state legislation and implemented so many programs so that New York State students could receive a college education and he would never take credit for any of them."

Throughout his life Chas loved music and expertly played guitar. He was first classically trained by a Yale University teacher but then turned to his life- long dedication to good old rock and roll. He performed in various bands at RPI and took their shows on the road playing in various Troy locations. Chas took great pleasure in playing guitar over his life and was more than delighted when his son, Michael, began to play as well.

He more recently discovered acting and theater production and worked with Albany Classic Theater where he served on the board of directors, the Classic Theater Guild and Confetti Stage. He had major roles in such plays as "Angels in America", "One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest" and various Shakespearean roles.

From a very early age, Chas was passionate about cars and would happily wash and polish his dad's and Uncle Chuck's cars. Even while he was undergoing debilitating chemo treatments, he delighted in the restoration of an MGB that he had first owned in his 20's. In his final months, he was happiest just driving long stretches around Rensselaer County in his MGB. Porsches also figured prominently in Chas' life and he owned and drove many. He was active in the local Hudson Champlain region of the Porsche Club of America and had served as president of the chapter.

Chas died much too early in his life. He had so many plans for his pending retirement such as touring Sicily with his family since his mother had been born there. Michael, his son, and he had long talks about going to Lime Rock, the racing track, so that they could race Porsches together. Chas had a wonderful relationship with his brother, Larry, a professional musician in California and looked forward to spending more time with him. And there was so much more.....

Some people thought he was difficult to get to know but once they did, they found a gorgeous person who was warm, dedicated and generous. Chas wrote a special note to his wife, Micheileen, on his 2012 Valentine's card to her. It said, "Words cannot describe how deeply I love you and appreciate all that you do for me. Thank you!" And that was the person that will be missed by so many.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc. at 276 Pawling Avenue in Troy on Sunday from 2 to 8 PM. Chas' funeral service will be held at 11 AM Monday at the funeral home and at 11:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church in Troy where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Afterwards, Chas will be buried at Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands.

Contributions may be made in honor of Charles G. Treadwell to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute Multiple Myeloma Research Center in Boston.

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