Charles R. Humphrey Sr.

Charles R. Humphrey Sr.
formerly of Wilmington & North Chelmsford

MELBOURNE, FL -- Charles R. Humphrey Sr. of Melbourne, FL, formerly of Wilmington and North Chelmsford, Massachusetts - Charles R. Humphrey Sr. died Sunday afternoon, October 11, 2015 at the Holmes Regional Medical Center in Florida, after a long battle with illness.

He was married to Marianne (Foster) Humphrey, originally from Petoskey, Michigan, with whom he celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in April 2015. Charles and Marianne had been together since 1989, and most recently resided in Melbourne, FL with Marianne's mother, Beverly Yeager.

Charles was born in Lowell, MA on October 26, 1947, the son of the late Richard and Gwendolyn (Davis) Humphrey. He was raised in North Chelmsford and was a 1965 graduate of Chelmsford High School. Charles was a master mechanic and soon after graduating, put his skills to work while serving in the United States Navy, from 1965 to 1971. He was a Naval Seebee and his service included tours in Vietnam and Adak, Alaska. He completed his service to his country with an honorable discharge and worked for Benevento Sand and Gravel Corp., Wilmington, MA for several years until starting his own business, R.P.M. Diesel and Marine, in 1989. Charles was an exceptional businessman, providing top-notch service to his customers for over 27 years until his retirement in 2013. He enjoyed the water, specifically on boats where he could show off his boating skills (Gilligan's Island "The Skipper"). He also enjoyed outdoor activities with family and friends who basked in the talent of Charlie "The Master Griller" Humphrey. Additionally, Charles loved animals, and his compassion in providing them a home was unyielding. From canines like Baron, Red, Darby, Ruby, Hunter, Shuebach, Winston, Lily and Sugar, to cats like Princess and Vinnie, to his fine-feathered friends, cleverly named Bird and Other Bird, his home was their home. Charles' passion for taking care of his family was unrivaled. He was a pillar of support and spoke with actions, not just words. He never looked for praise, just the reward of knowing his actions would benefit someone else.

He was an exceptional dad, brother, husband, uncle, grandfather and friend.

Besides his wife, Marianne, he is survived by a daughter Rebecca, son-in-law David, and granddaughter Katie Leigh of Dracut, MA; a son Charlie, daughter-in-law, Terri, and granddaughters Madison and Emerson Humphrey of Bedford, MA, and an adopted' daughter, Jen Wishinski of Seattle, WA. Also his siblings and their spouses Robert Humphrey and his wife Diane (MacPherson) Humphrey; Jeanne (Humphrey) St. Hilaire and her husband Donald; numerous nieces, nephews and their children. He was predeceased by his sister, Susan R. (Humphrey) Astle of Chelmsford, MA and her late husband Paul DesLauriers, Sr.

A memorial service is planned for later this year. In lieu of flowers to the family, please consider a donation to a local homeless charity in Charles' honor.