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David Charlesworth Obituary
Dr. Charlesworth was born in Watertown, NY on February 12, 1945 to William and Charlotte (Daley) Charlesworth. He earned his undergraduate degree from Trinity College in Hartford, CT in 1966 and his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, NY in 1970. Following medical school, Dr. Charlesworth completed his Surgical Internship and Residency through Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in 1978, while also serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Germany from 1972-1975.
Dr. Charlesworth was a cardiac surgeon at Catholic Medical Center from 1986-2010 and a co-founder of Cardiothoracic Surgical Associates, one of the premier cardiac surgery programs in the country. He joined the Hillsborough County Medical Society and the NH Medical Society when he moved to New Hampshire from Utah in 1986 and was appointed as president of the NH Medical Society in 2000. During his term as president, Dr. Charlesworth championed patient-focused advocacy, medical society reorganization and mental health care access and coverage. He helped found the Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Research Group to develop and exchange information concerning the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Clinicians, hospital administrators and health care researchers from New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Maine sought to continuously improve the quality, safety, effectiveness and cost of cardiovascular disease interventions. He was referred to as the "heart and soul of the NNE" by his fellow research members, reflecting his career-long advocacy and stewardship of these important causes.
In 2013, Catholic Medical Center awarded Dr. Charlesworth the Charles F. Whittemore Award for his commitment to philanthropy, dedication to patient care and unwavering support of the community.
An avid skier, he loved to be waist-deep in fresh powder, skiing high in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah or even the frozen tracks at his nearby east coast resorts. He had an insatiable curiosity and desire to learn new things, develop new skills, make new friends and leave a lasting impact on his community and the world around him. Always on the move, he was passionate about running and joined his kids and grandkids in multiple races in Philadelphia and Richmond.
In retirement, he filled his days practicing his golf game or visiting with his friends near and far. He always wanted to make sure that everyone knew he was working on his golf game but more importantly that he was thinking of them. He maintained an active role with CMC's Institutional Review Board.
Despite a lifetime of significant professional achievement, his greatest joy and accomplishment was being a husband, father and "Poppy" to his grandchildren. He made sure to connect with every grandchild, especially during the family's annual gathering on Cape Cod over the 4th of July holiday, where he was the founder of the "Best Friends Club," a special club made up of his grandchildren and himself.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Jane (Steege) Charlesworth of Bedford; three children, Jill C. Hellman and her husband, Jeremy, of Midlothian, VA, Tyler D. Charlesworth and his wife, Melissa, of Villanova, PA and Ben T. Charlesworth and his wife, Jaclyn, of Milford, CT; seven grandchildren, Libby, Whitney, Nate, Jacob, Sloan, Sadie and CeCe; three siblings, Finn Charlesworth and his wife, Colleen, of Woodloch, PA, Jane Valliere of Narragansett, RI and Laura Palmer of Olathe, Kansas; and cousins, nieces and nephews.
SERVICES: Calling hours are Friday (11/25) from 3 to 7 p.m. at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester. The funeral will be held Saturday (11/26) at 3 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 106 Lowell St., Manchester followed by a reception at the Manchester Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Medical Center. Donations can be made online at https://www.catholicmedicalcenter.org/giving/donate-online or by mail at: Catholic Medical Center, Philanthropy Office, 100 MacGregor St., Manchester, N.H. 03102. Checks should be made payable to CMC.
To leave a message of condolence, please see the obituary at www.lambertfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Charlesworth
Merrill Bancroft
August 10, 2024
Dr Charlesworth did 7 bypasses on me at one sitting more than 25 years ago and I want to say there haven't any repercussions of any kind and I am now 85. There hasn't been a hint of a problem since then. An outstanding surgeon!
Edmund (Randy) Howe, MD, Columbia Med, "70
December 1, 2022
Jane, I am so sorry. When reunions came up, I thought most of the meaning to me of seeing David and the two of you together. He and you both together always provided to all of us a comforting, rich warmth, joy and support that was unique and unforgettable from the earliest days and ever since. He, I will remember like no one, and I suspect this was the same for all in our 1970 class. I am so saddened but at the same time moved by how lucky I am to have known Charles. Randy
Steve Gorin
November 29, 2022
I am sorry for your loss. Dr. Charlesworth was my heart surgeon many years ago. He totally put my mind at ease before the surgery and I am forever grateful for his care and skill.
Frank Bettencourt
November 28, 2022
I met him at CMC ,when due to bad sternum infection after a triple bypass, he yelled out in a music filled operation room, Frank is a neighbor, so we have to take care of him. When I awoke, he was there, smiling letting me know that I had made it. Later, as my neighbor he always waved as he walked by. His smile was infectious.
He will be missed.
Frank Bettencourt a patient and neighbor
Marilyn Daley
November 26, 2022
Jane, I´m so sorry for your loss of a wonderful gentleman, admired surgeon, kind and thoughtful man. It was an honor to work closely with him for many years.
Scott Diehl MD
November 25, 2022
Jane, so sorry to hear about your loss. I worked with David for many years. He was a great physician,always a gentleman, cordial competent, and would always respond properly to my request for a consultation. I can´t tell you how important all these things are when you´re a internist trying to get help for a critically ill patient. David never let me down.
All my best,
Scott Diehl MD
Colleen Theresa DeLuca II RN
November 24, 2022
Jane, your husband, Dr Charlesworth, was the reason why I stayed at Catholic Medical Center for my career and did not go To Boston for my dream of becoming a post-operative open heart surgery nurse for that I am eternally grateful. Thank you. Sincerely. Colleen Theresa DeLuca, II RN
Adrienne Circelli-Silversmith
November 23, 2022
Dearest Jane, Jill, Tyler Ben and family, The are no adequate words to express my sympathy and sorrow for the loss of your beloved husband and father. As a nurse at CMC I remember him as a remarkable surgeon who saved many lives and appreciated all of the other medical personnel who supported him. (A rare trait) I know my family will always appreciate how you and David embraced us as neighbors and part of the medical community when we moved to Bedford with our young family. I also remember the love he had for his family; his children, grandchildren and especially you Jane.... You and he were always the "Tour de Force" on top for the hill! Sadly we will not be able to attend the funeral as we will be away. I am hoping, Jane, that we can get together afterwards to reminisce, laugh and cry recalling the wonderful man he was. Fondly, Adrienne Silversmith and Family
Susan and Dennis Kelly
November 22, 2022
Jane and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Your husband/father lived his life with intention, generosity and kindness, and we are all better for having known him.
Denis B. Hammond, MD
November 20, 2022
I had the privilege of working with Dr. Charlesworth for over thirty years. He was always a brilliant compassionate physician. He cherished the best in our profession and showed that through his work with the New Hampshire Medical Society. His life reminds me of the words mark Antony speaks in the Shakespeare play Julius Caesar: His life was gentle; and the elements. So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up. And say to all the world, THIS WAS A MAN!"
Sincere condolences,
Denis B. Hammond
Robert D Machain
November 20, 2022
Mr. Charlesworth, Thank you for your service RDM Windham NH
Dick and Carol Gregor
November 19, 2022
Dear Jane and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Dave´s passing on, he leaves a large void which he filled with his love, wit, and intellect. He was a good friend and we always enjoyed a long call catching up on "what are you reading right now". David was a wonderful friend to our family and he will be dearly missed.
When I heard the news I was reminded of an old James Taylor song which ends with
Oh, it's enough to be on your way,
it's enough just to cover ground,
it's enough to be moving on.
Home, build it behind your eyes,
carry it in your heart,
safe among your own.
So long, old pal.
Love to you all,
Dick and Carol Gregor
Laurel Hall, RRT - Respiratory Department
November 18, 2022
Sincere condolences tomhis family, friends and colleagues. I enjoyed working with him at CMC for several years. He was not only an outstanding doctor, but also a wonderful person who made a huge difference in the lives of many. RIP Dr. Charlesworth.
Arlene B Upton
November 18, 2022
Rest in peace Dr.Charlesworth. I enjoyed working with you for many years. My sympathies to the family.
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