Charles Vachris

Charles ("Charlie") Francis Vachris (February 19, 1939 – October 7, 2014) was an American civil engineer and politician, and was the founder and head of Vachris Engineering, PC.

Early life and education
Vachris was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 19, 1939.

For high school, Vachris attended Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York, which he graduated from in 1957. It was there where he met his wife, Evelyn Gaye Vachris (born Kruetzer). In high school, Vachris played on his school's football team.

For college, he attended Yale University's honors college as an engineering major and graduated in 1961; Vachris also played on the school's basketball team. For his masters, Vachris went to Columbia University and earned his masters in Engineering in 1968.

Military service
Vachris served in the Army Corps of Engineers and was stationed at Fort Knox. He was honorably discharged from the military as a Captain.

Vachris Engineering
Vachris founded and headed Garden City-based Vachris Engineering, PC in 1982. Before founding the firm, he had worked in a construction company owned by his family.

In 2014, Vachris voluntarily donated personal and corporate services for the engineering of a new basketball court at the Flower Hill Village Park.

Political career
As a resident of the village of Flower Hill, New York, Vachris served as a village trustee from 1988 to 1990, and also served on its planning board and ethics board until his passing.

Vachris also served as Flower Hill's village engineer for many years.

Death and legacy
Vachris died of a heart attack at the age of 75 on October 7, 2014, while playing basketball at the Munsey Park Elementary School in Munsey Park, New York. He is buried at Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington, New York.

The basketball court at the Flower Hill Village Park is dedicated to Vachris.

Personal life
At the time of his death, Vachris had lived in Flower Hill for roughly 45 years. He and his wife, Evelyn, had 5 children and 11 grandchildren. At the time of his death, Vachris resided at the family's home at 42 Dogwood Lane in Flower Hill.

Vachris was an avid fan and player of basketball, and would play the game until his death.