Wallingford-Charles ''Chuck'' Richard Leiss, 74, died at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford on February 16, 2002, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born November 19, 1927, in Bridgeport, Ct, a son of the late Charles E. and Marjorie Pawson Leiss. He graduated from Meriden High School and attended Boston University. Chuck served in the US Navy during WWII as a medic, stationed in San Diego, CA. On December 13, 1950, he was united in marriage with Lorraine A. Sadler. Mr. Leiss was owner and operator of the Budget Food Store of Meriden for many years. He started his own food packaging company, K&L Associates, Inc. in 1975 and continued as president until shortly before his death. Chuck grew up in Meriden, CT. After marrying Lorraine they moved to Wallingford, and were lifelong residents. They also maintained residences in Massachusetts and Boynton Beach, FL. Mr. Leiss was a member of the Yalesville Lions Club and served as president in 1971. He was a talented artist and woodworker and an avid golfer. Chuck and Lorraine derived great pleasure from the ocean and spent their summers on their boat in Branford, CT. They also enjoyed traveling domestically and aboard. Charles was predeceased by his beloved wife of fifty years, Lorraine, on January 2, 2001. He leaves to mourn his passing, four sons: Charles W. Leiss and his wife Jill of Meriden, Erik M. Leiss and his wife Linda of Clinton, William W. Leiss and his wife Linda of Berlin, CT, Fredric M. Leiss and his fiancee Mary Jo Pojawis of Berlin; four daughters: Marjorie L. Falero and her husband Peter of Bourne, MA, Cynthia L. Opalski and her husband John of North Montpelier, VT, Elizabeth A. Leiss and her fiance Doug Dillard of Wallingford, Jennnifer L. Giarratana and her husband David of Wallingford; ten grandchildren: Chanelle and Charles M. Leiss, Jennifer Bayard, Erik, William & Nicholas Leiss, Maximillian and Benjamin Leiss, David and Lorraine Giarratana and a sister, Janet Bartelmo of Cheshire. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, February 22nd from 4 to 7 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT FLATOW FUNERAL HOME, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. At this time friends are invited to share their memories of Chuck. At a later date the family will scatter Chuck's ashes at sea, along with those of his wife Lorraine's. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford Ct. 06405 or the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York , NY 10021. The family would like to thank the staff of Connecticut Hospice for their help and support.