Charles Raymond Sikora

Charles Raymond Sikora, born December 26, 1941 in Sharon Pennsylvania, died peacefully on December 7, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. He was 82.

Charles “Chuck” Sikora received his undergraduate degree in mathematics from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs in 1967, a Master’s Degree in meteorology at St. Louis University in 1972, and an MBA at University of Illinois in 1986. He was an Air Force meteorologist for 26 years while living in Florida, Nevada, the Philippines, Turkey, Guam, and Illinois. After retiring from the Air Force, he owned his own business and worked as a tax preparer in Champaign, IL and Asheville, North Carolina.

Chuck had many interests and was an avid athlete and coach all his life. He played rugby during his time in the Air Force, was a runner (with daily logs), a skilled golfer, soccer player, and yoga and tennis enthusiast. During his time in Illinois and North Carolina, he coached and refereed soccer, travelled widely in and throughout India, Turkey, Poland, Thailand, Philippines, Nepal, and South America, and went on long hiking treks in Ladakh, India and Peru. His special interest was history (especially WWII Pacific Theatre), and as a patron of the arts, he enjoyed going to the symphony, opera, listening to world music, rock ’n’ roll, and attending visual arts exhibitions and museums.

Unpretentious, and quietly confident, Chuck played down his scientific knowledge and abilities. Often when asked about the weather, he would get a wry smile, raise his finger, and say, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight.”

Chuck is survived by life partner/spouse Marya Roland, sons Charley (Gail) Sikora and Mark (Nicole) Sikora, grandchildren Isabel and Chloe Sikora, brother Gary Sikora, sister Debbie (Sikora) Green, and niece Ashly Evans Vining.

He was preceded in death by father, Charles Sikora, mother Frances Mitchell Sikora, and sister, Janet (Sikora) Evans.

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Memorial service/celebration in spring 2025, location to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the following:

Barrow Neurological Foundation - https://www.supportbarrow.org/ (Supports treatment, curative research relating to neurological disorders.)

American Brain Foundation

American Cancer Society

ASPCA American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Charles Sikora’s family would like to thank all his wonderful caregivers and in particular: Dr. Patel, Nurses—Jossie, Elena, Kristi, Lewis, and Theresa. Aides—Quinn, Alexis, and Asher. PT and OT staff— Johnny, Kristin, and Steve. Hospice nurse—Nichole.

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