Charles Henry Meuel

Passed away peacefully at home. Survived by his wife of 49 years, Nina Meuel and five children. Bradley Gibbs (Kim), Whitney Quin (Mike), Tori Sawyer (Randy), Sean Oill (David), Therese Meuel, 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Charles, known to most as Chuck, was born in Clovis CA. to Herman and E lise Meuel. After attending schools in his home town Chuck left San Joaquin Memorial High school in 1948 and entered Mont La Salle in Napa as a sophomore. He graduated in 1951 and immediately entered the Mont La Salle Novitiate with the chosen name of Brother Norbert. He received his vows and the habit of the Christian Brothers in 1952. From 1952-1956 he was a Student Brother at Saint Mary's College in Moraga, earning a B.A. degree in English and a Minor in Philosophy and Education. In June of 1956 he was assigned to teach at Sacred Heart High school in San Francisco. In September of 1956 he was assigned to Mont La Salle in Napa where he taught all academic subjects and coached basketball. It's been said by one of his closest friends and fellow teachers that he was so bright he could teach any class and any subject. He was admired and beloved by all of his students. In 1962 he was sent to work as an assistant in the Christian Brothers Winery and was elevated to the position of Vice President. In 1967 he left the order and married the love of his life Nina. They built a full and busy life centered around their children, extended family and their many friends. Until 1982 Chuck worked in the wine and spirits industry retiring as President and CEO of California Wine Association in San Francisco. Although retired, in 1982 he and Nina went on to open two Baskin-Robbins stores and start a family wine labeling company, Alawine Marketing, that is still in business today. He loved to play golf, tennis, bridge and pinochle. He traveled the world with his wife, children and close friends. He loved hosting big parties for his Tahitian relatives when they would visit and he and Nina were known for their big Thanksgiving celebrations and many pool parties. Everyone was always welcome. An avid fan of the A's, Warriors, Giants and the 49ers. Chuck loved going to games and went to many Super Bowls over the course of his lifetime. Anyone who knows him knows how much he loved his sports! Chuck was happy, generous and helpful to everyone around him. He cared more about others and their needs than his own. He was friendly and outgoing to a fault. He loved his family and friends most of all. He was a husband, father and friend you could always count on.
Funeral Mass and Celebration of life will be held on Monday 8/29/16 at 12:00pm in the Chapel at St. Mary's College 1928 Saint Mary's Rd. Moraga, Ca. 2:00pm Reception to follow in the Fireside room at Rossmoor 1001 Golden Rain Rd. Walnut Creek, Ca. Lunch will be served. Burial on Tuesday 8/30/16 at 10:00am Queen of Heaven Cemetery 1965 Reliez Valley Rd.Lafayette