Charles H. Elwell

BENNINGTON -- Mr. Charles Herbert “Chuck” Elwell, 84, a longtime resident of Leonard Street, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2006, at The Centers For Living and Rehabilitation following a period of declining health.

Mr. Elwell was born in Bennington on July 21, 1921, the son of the late Hawley W. and Ethel Mae (Harrington) Elwell. He grew up in Bennington, attending local schools. He was a graduate of Bennington High School, class of 1939. He attended Aero ITI in Glendale, Calif. in 1940 and then went to work at Chance Vought Aircraft Manufacturers in Stratford, Conn., where he worked on the development of the Corsair fighter. He was inducted into the U.S. Navy in 1944, where he served for two years as an aircraft mechanic. He was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal.

Following his military career he returned to Bennington where he began working for Central Vermont Public Service Corp. as a lineman. He later transferred to the appliance service department. He then worked at the Vermont Veterans Home in the electrical maintenance department, from which he retired. Mr. Elwell was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, a 50-year member of the Mt. Anthony Lodge Free and Accepted Masons, a member of American Legion Post 13, life member of the Circus Historical Society, 60 year member of the Circus Fans Association of America and Circus Model Builders. He enjoyed playing golf, woodworking and was a circus buff. He was predeceased by his first wife, June Ellett Elwell, who died in February 1961, and his second wife, Eleanor VanNorstrand Elwell, who died in May 2003.

He is survived by his daughter, Carol Elwell, and a grandson, Steven MacDonald.

Episcopal funeral services will be held at the Hanson-Walbridge Funeral Home on Friday, Jan. 6, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Anita Schell-Lambert, rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday. Masonic funeral rites will be held at 1:30. Burial with military honors will take place in the family lot in Park Lawn Cemetery.

Should friends desire, memorial gifts may be made to the Bennington Rescue Squad in care of the Hanson-Walbridge Funeral Home, 213 West Main St., Bennington, VT 05201.

To send condolences to the family of Charles H. Elwell, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.

All members of Mt. Anthony Lodge F&AM are asked to meet at the Hanson-Walbridge Funeral Home on Friday at 1:30 p.m.