1933 - 2013
Charles L. Blankfort passed away on December 6, 2013 at The Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT after a brief illness. Charles was predeceased by his mother Bess Blankfort, father Walter Blankfort and brother Robert Blankfort, He is survived by his six children (Wendy Doyle of Fairfield, CT, Frederick Kauhl of Whitefish, Montana, James Kauhl of Windham, New Hampshire, Jeffrey Kauhl of Norwalk, CT, Douglas Kauhl of North Haven, CT and Lisa Kauhl of Fairfield, CT), nine grandchildren (Matthew, Kevin, Emily, Sam, Paige, Cooper, Emma, Matthew and Jonathan) and loving wife Barbara Blankfort. Raised in the Jewish faith in Manhattan, Charles attended Brown University ('54) and served his country in the Korean War. As a co-founder of Academic Industries, Inc. in West Haven, CT in 1969, he furthered his lifelong passion for education while providing employment for many during its 30 plus years of operation. He was an ardent fundraiser for The Leukemia Society of America, hosting events and raising money both privately and through his business. He lived the majority of his adult life in Weston, CT where he married Barbara and raised a forever grateful and loving family. Charles was a man of great intelligence, wit and compassion. He was a master of engagement with a genuine interest in anyone lucky enough to cross his path. Though most knew him as "Chuck", his family lovingly called him "Pops" or "Grampy" and took comfort in his enthusiastic, genuine passion for life and endless capacity for love. He was an excellent athlete who perfected his two handed set shot on the courts of Brown University and valued sportsmanship above all else with a great respect for the game and a love for the arena of "sport" as it was here where he truly lived his life in full. As a passionate, lifelong NY Football Giants fan and season ticket holder, he not only passed on a rich legacy but created lifetime bonds and countless cherished memories. He lived his later years in Fairfield, CT serving as a crossing guard and caring for his beloved wife Barbara while never leaving her side. May he rest at last and go gently into the warm embrace of all things where his loving father Walter can welcome him home. He will be missed dearly and will forever serve as a warm beacon of light full of love and comfort for all those who loved him. Friends and family are invited to attend a wake at the Bouton Funeral Home, 31 West Church Street, Georgetown, CT on Monday, December 9th from 5:00pm until 8:00pm as well as a service on Tuesday, December 10th at 10:00am at Sacred Heart Parrish, 30 Church Street, Georgetown, CT. Chuck will then be laid to rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 80 Commerce Street, Hawthorne, NY. Memorial donations can be made in his name at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org or The Connecticut Hospice at www.hospice.com.
Bouton Funeral, Inc.
31 West Church Street Georgetown, CT 06829
203-544-8461
Published on NYTimes.com from Dec. 9 to Dec. 10, 2013
