NEAR Hall of Famer Rene Charland Passes at 84
Rene Charland “Da Champ”: November 13, 1928 – September 30, 2013
Rene M Charland, legendary stock car driver who blazed numerous tracks from Canada to Florida passed away peacefully on Monday Sept 30 at the Wilkinson Residential Care Facility in Amsterdam, NY where he had resided for the past several years.
Mr Charland was born in Chicopee, MA on November 13, 1928 the son of Adelard and Noella Lamoureux Charland. After serving his time in the US Marines and Merchant Marines, Mr Charland resettled in the Chicopee area and later was a resident of Agawam, MA before locating to Upstate NY in the 1960’s. After returning from his act of duty in the service he tried on many masks, working for Remington Arms in Springfield, Ma and running his own speed shop and radio station before turning the throttle full bore on his racing career which began in 1947.
Rene was a 4-time Nascar National Sportsman Champion from 1962 thru 1965. He was one of the original Eastern Bandits that enjoyed tickling the skills of the drivers in the South. He was also a member of the AllStar League for many years. He was inducted into many Hall of Fames thru-out his life span; the New England Antique Racers(NEAR), Dirt Motorsports ,Riverside Park, Fonda Speedway, Utica-Rome and Albany-Saratogas as well as many more. He was named as one of Nascar’s Top 50 Drivers at Stafford Motor Speedway as well. His career wins exceeded 800, his track championships were numerous and covered many states in the country to achieve his records.
[View Guestbook]
[Sign Guestbook]
Rene will not only be remembered for his racing abilities, but many will remember his never-empty sleeve of pranks he continuously inflicted on someone.
Rene was predeceased by his parents and 3 sons; David, Bernard and Lawrence Charland. He is survived by 6 grandchildren; Courtney, Corrie, and Weston Charland of W.Springfield, MA, Bradley (Melissa), Lawrence Jr. and Brent Charland of Alabama,3 great-granchildren; Isabella, Bradley and William Charland also of Alabama . He is also survived by long-time companion Christine Holt, and extended family; Jeff, Amber and Dakota Holt of Perth, NY and Todd Holt of Hampstead, NC who all meant the world to him.
Funeral Services for Mr Charland will be private. Arrangements are by the Gloversville Funeral Services. Please send condolences by visiting the online guestbook at www.gloversvillefuneralservice.com. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Mr Charlands memory to Kyle and Pattie Petty’s: Victory Junction Camp-4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317 Or online at www.victoryjunction.org.
Sources: Gloversville Funeral Services 10/01/13