Michael Edward Chateauneuf
Michael Edward Chateauneuf, 77, of Rehoboth Beach and Washington, DC, passed away at his home overlooking Silver Lake on April 22, 2020.
Mike was born in Buffalo, New York, son of the late Edward and Norma Thursack Chateauneuf. He grew up in Batavia, New York, graduating from Notre Dame High School. He received his master’s degree from Syracuse University, School of Architecture.
Mike was a commissioned officer in the US Public Health Service. He was an accomplished architect for over 50 years, working with the US Housing and Urban Development Department, HDR, and Burt Hill and Associates.
Mike enjoyed travel, biking, swimming, and the beach. He shared dinners and laughs with his many friends, both in Washington and Rehoboth. He loved spending time with his family, and always kept in touch and planned visits whenever he could. Mike was a community resource, a pillar for the sober community, and an inspiration to his many friends and family.
He is survived by his spouse, Christian Rinuncini; siblings Carol Lynn Stevens (Robert) of Hamburg, New York, Richard Chateauneuf (Wanda, deceased) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Marilyn Hickey (David) of Rochester, New York; in-laws Erika Rinuncini and Alberto Ruggeri, Porto Ceresio (Italy). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, Christopher Stevens (Michelle) of Hamburg, Eric Stevens (Amy) of Norfolk, Virginia, Jennifer Hickey Peets (Brian) of Fairport, New York, Colin Hickey (Emily) of Rochester, and Matteo Ruggeri of Porto Ceresio.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at a future date when family and friends are able to join together in Rehoboth Beach.
Memorial contributions in Mike’s memory can be made to one of the following organizations: The American Cancer Society, tinyurl.com/yberopny, the Humane Rescue Alliance, humanerescuealliance.org, Miriam’s Kitchen, miriamskitchen.org/donate, or the Triangle Club, triangleclub.org/join-donate. For online condolences, visit Yasikfh.com, Yasik Funeral Home, Newark.
Roy Rollins
Roy Rollins, a native of Poquoson, Virginia, who split his time between his homes in Rehoboth Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, waged a difficult battle against the coronavirus and passed away in Florida on April 17, 2020. There, he was known as “The Mayor of Sebastian Beach.”
Roy was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Poquoson, Virginia. Roy began his career in the floral industry when he was 16 years old, working as a delivery driver. From there, Roy spent many happy years working with Freeman’s Florist in Poquoson.
In 1986, Roy became the co-owner of Norfolk Florist and Gifts. He received many awards and accolades throughout his illustrious floral career. Roy retired in 2013, sharing yearly trips with friends to Mexico and Cape Cod, and days on the beach whenever the sun was shining.
Whether it was a shared dinner, a trip, or a conversation by the ocean, Roy became a friend to all of those lucky enough to cross his path. He was loved by his family and many friends, and known for his kindness, graciousness, and generous spirit.
Roy was preceded in death by his father, Roy Smith Rollins. He is survived by his loving mother, Virginia Winder Rollins, of Poquoson; brother, Marvin “Bubba” Rollins and fiancé Amanda of Holden Beach, North Carolina; niece Kasey Michelle Rollins and nephew Matthew Taylor Rollins, both of Atlanta, Georgia; sister, Cathy Rollins Losares and husband, Dave; niece Carin Losares Carr and husband, Corey, their sons Cameron and Colton; nephew Christopher David Losares, and Ashley, all of Poquoson.
Roy also leaves behind many dear and wonderful friends throughout the country.
His final thoughts and how he loved living his life: “Life was Gay and Great! Filled with Love, Friends and Flowers! The summers in Rehoboth and the winters in Florida, I DID IT ALL and I DID IT MY WAY!”
A celebration of Roy’s life will be planned on the beach in Fort Lauderdale in the future. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Camp Rehoboth, Access Aids Care, or the Poquoson Volunteer Fire Department.