Charles “Chuck” McCaghy, 85, passed away in Bowling Green on May 25, 2019 from complications of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
He was a professor emeritus in the sociology department at Bowling Green State University from 1970-1997, specializing in criminology and deviant behavior. Earlier he had taught at the University of Connecticut and at [Case] Western Reserve University.
Chuck was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on April 29, 1934 to Elmer and Anna (Soha) McCaghy. He graduated from Regis High School and then attended the University of Wisconsin on a naval ROTC scholarship.
After serving three years as a Lieutenant J.G. aboard the destroyer escort USS Sproston, he returned to the University of Wisconsin and earned his master’s degree and Ph.D in sociology. He met Dawn Ysebaert at the university and they were married in 1961.
Chuck’s research included studies of child molesters, strippers, and prostitutes. He authored articles and textbooks, was active in the American Society of Criminology, and shared his expertise with students at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA and with other police departments and academies.
Upon retirement, he continued to research strippers and burlesque and eventually donated an extensive collection of research materials and memorabilia to the Ohio State University Library. He also volunteered at the Wood County Justice Center library, and along with Dawn befriended several international students through the International Friendship Program at BGSU. Three of those students became“honorary grandchildren”: Aibek Samakov of Kyrghizstan, Yana Felos of Ukraine, and Inessa Luerce of Brazil.
Chuck loved reading, art and music, the sea, and travel. He grew wonderful vegetables, each winter starting ‘Sweet Million’ tomatoes from seed and sharing the plants with friends, one of whose children dubbed him “Mr. Tomato.”
His reading interests ranged widely, from Victorian fairy paintings to the history of ballet, the Civil War and World War II. He and Dawn visited Australia and Mexico often, as well as many countries in southeast and central Asia and eastern and western Europe. It is notable that a man comfortable on a navy ship and with tough FBI recruits was so gentle and kind. Chuck liked and lived up to the saying, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” He enjoyed entertaining and cooking for friends, and his caring and empathy were a source of support as they navigated small troubles and great battles. This considerateness continued as Chuck faced his own health problems, reflecting a concern for others that will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Chuck was predeceased by his parents and his brother and sister-in-law Gene and Betty McCaghy and by brothers-in-law David, Daniel, and Michael Ysebaert. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dawn; brother-in-law Patrick (Lin) Ysebaert; sister-in-law Jane Ysebaert; nieces and nephews Larry (Faith) McCaghy; Judy (Bob) Gamache; Rick (Betty) McCaghy; Jeannie McCaghy; Loki Ysebaert; Emma Ysebaert; John Ysebaert (Stacey Stephani); James Ysebaert; and Trini Ysebaert.
Chuck was cremated and there was no formal funeral. A luncheon gathering for family and friends will be held at Sam B’s restaurant on Saturday June 22 at 11.30 A.M. Memorial contributions can be made to Wood County Public Library, Wood County Historical Society, Cocoon Shelter, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
