Charles "Chuck" T. Gartland

Charles T. Gartland, known to many as “Chuck”, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2021 at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, CT. He was the beloved husband of Leslie Lickert Gartland.

Chuck was born on November 28, 1948 in Springfield Gardens, New York to the late Charles Gartland and Grace Golden Gartland. 

Chuck was a proud Marine Corps veteran, having served in the Vietnam War. Following his service, he spent some time at college and later became the owner of Good Time Charlie’s Bar for over ten plus years, and through his time as owner he made countless friends. After returning from Vietnam when he was diagnosed in 1975 with Agent Orange and other health issues he still managed to volunteer countless hours to help others.

When Chuck came home from the service he started playing in the touch football league.  He was President and Football Commissioner of Danbury Touch Football League for several years.  

Chuck got involved in Pop Warner Football in the seventies, a few years later he and some of his friends started Hat City Youth Sports in Danbury, CT.   Chuck coached football  for thirty nine years.  He was co-founder of Western CT Pop Warner Football and served on the Board for New England Pop Warner and National Pop Warner.  Chuck also received the Volunteer of  the Year Award for 2008 Pop Warner.  He was also recognized by one of his players at his  Eagle Scout Ceremony as a person he admired most for his commitment to youth and teaching him football and life skills.

Also around that time Chuck became involved in Special Olympics along with his family and some friends.  He coached softball and basketball  on three different skill levels based on ability as well as playing alongside his special athletes in the Unified Games.  He started one team and ended up coaching three teams in each division and never turned anybody away. His teams won several state championships and one of the teams was sent to the World Games in Japan and won the championship there.  Chuck coached several Special Olympic teams for almost 20 years. 

During his working career he belonged to Parts and Service Division of Chevrolet, Ford Chrysler, Jeep, Jaguar/Lincoln Mercury Service Manager Club.  Chuck finished in the top ten  Service Managers of the United States and won a trip to Maui one year and Cancun the next year.  Also he volunteered to cook for homeless Vets in the shelter and at a Handicapped group home.

Most recently Chuck became Commander for the DAV Chapter 25, and Sergeant of Arms for the state of CT DAV.  He serves on the Board of VFW Post 149 Danbury, and is a lifetime member of the VFW, DAV and Marine Corp League.  Chuck was President of City of Danbury Veteran's Council.  He also volunteered to drive other Veterans to the VA Hospitals.

Chuck was selected as an award recipient this year for the Old Timers' Athletic Association of Greater Danbury.

In addition to his beloved wife, Charles is survived by four sons: Michael (Melissa) Liebenow, Charles T. (Elaine) Gartland Jr. , Shawn Gartland, and Keith (Anne) Gartland. Six grandchildren: Michael Liebenow Jr., Erika Gartland, Shayla Gartland, Liam Gartland, Collin Gartland and Julia Gartland. As well as his sister Patricia Cooper and her husband Dave and several nieces and nephews.  Chuck is predeceased by his sister Margaret Addessi.

In lieu of flowers donations in Chuck’s honor can be made to “Pets for Vets” online at www.petsforvets.com/donate or the Danbury Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans organization by mail to: Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 25: ATTN: Adam Horosky Adj 25 Segar St. Danbury CT 06810.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at Danbury Memorial Funeral Home (117 South St., Danbury CT 06810) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial with Military Honors to follow at Wooster Cemetery in Danbury, CT.

To light a candle or leave a condolence please visit www.DanburyMemorial.com

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