Charles O. Hunnewell III

1935 - 2024

Charles O. Hunnewell III

Lebanon, NH - Charles Otis Hunnewell III, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, coach, and teacher, was called home to Jesus peacefully on February 20, 2024 at the age of 88 after battling dementia and cardiac issues. Rooted in faith, he lived a life packed full of love, family, and friendships.

Charles was born on November 14, 1935 in Arlington, MA to Charles Jr. and Alida Bierenbroodspot Hunnewell, and spent his formative years in Bedford, MA, with much time spent on his grandparents farm. In Hudson, NH, he spent his high school years playing sports and working, mostly at Benson's Animal Farm. He had to mature early to help support his family where he developed his strong sense of responsibility and work ethic. He cared deeply for his family and this formative experience in his upbringing instilled a sense of resilience, empathy, and determination to provide for his loved ones and create a better future for himself and those he cared for.

He graduated from Alvirne High School, Hudson, NH in 1953, and was subsequently drafted into the US Air Force which left an indelible lifetime impression on him instilling values of discipline, commitment, and service. He was part of the military police stationed in Iceland and Alexandria, LA, which is where he met his future wife, Alean Hooge of Clinton, Louisiana. They married on June 6, 1958 and remained devoted partners, raising 7 children, while enduring times of heartache and celebration over an incredible 65 years of marriage.

After completing his military service, Charles pursued higher education, attending LSU and then completing his Bachelor's degree at Plymouth State Teachers College. He furthered his studies, receiving a Master's degree in Physical Education from Michigan State University.

After one year in Blissfield, Michigan, his passion for teaching and coaching led him to Hanover High School where he taught for 31 years and coached football, basketball, and baseball. He was devoted to the Hanover High School students and staff where he found his joy, inspiration, and motivation. He was called to develop teamwork, life lessons, and fellowship through sports to countless numbers of students. He thrived talking for hours with students and staff in his basement office. The Hanover students respected his ability to teach, mentor, and coach which resulted in relationships that lasted throughout his life. He greeted people with an exuberant hello, big smile, and twinkle in the eye.

In 1986 he switched his baseball coaching duties to his hometown Lebanon where he finished out his high school coaching career.

Perhaps his most accomplished coaching position was as baseball coach at the American Legion Post 26, Hartford, VT, where he spent 14 summers. He loved that organization and the all star teams that it produced and the well worn tattered hat that he wore until his passing was a testament to that.

When not in the gym or on the field he was able to help raise an all American family of 7 children of which he loved dearly and was his sustenance throughout his life.

He nurtured his family through faith, attending church, Sunday school, and worshiping until his death. Among other experiences during time off were summer trips to Louisiana, visiting friends in Maine, day trips to visit his mother and siblings. He also enjoyed many trips and vacations. He had a constant influx of friends and family which gave him great pleasure. He cherished all 19 of his grandchildren and loved his family gatherings.

Pre and post retirement, Charles and his wife operated a Bed and Breakfast for 18 years where he enjoyed meeting and exchanging stories with people from all over the world.

His fulfilled jam packed life was only made possible with the tireless support of his lovely wife Alean of which he greatly relied on throughout his life.

Charles III was predeceased by his parents, Charles Jr. and Alida; brother, Albert; son, Charles Otis Hunnewell IV; and granddaughter, Briana Susan Mayes.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Alean Hooge Hunnewell; children, Calvin E. Hunnewell (Theresa), Andrew Hunnewell (Rhonda Cutting), William Hunnewell (Lisa), Mary Hunnewell Mayes (Ben), Paul Hunnewell (Shannon), and Susan Hunnewell Duval (Dan); grandchildren, Caroline Hunnewell Mellish (Ramsay), Nathan Hunnewell, Justine Hunnewell (Scott Roberts), Calvin P. Hunnewell, Emily Hunnewell, Avery Hunnewell, Donka Hunnewell, Jacob Hunnewell, Lauren Hunnewell, Luke Hunnewell, Noah Mayes, Trevor Mayes, Leah Mayes, Reghan Hunnewell, Jocelyn Hunnewell, Alena Duval, Otis Duval, and Ashley Duval; great-grandchildren, Liam Bean and Kai Nugent; sisters, Alida Ballard, Mary Ford (Brad-deceased), and Betty Ledoux (Ralph); and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Both flowers and contributions in Charles' memory are welcome. For memorial contributions the family has designated Our Savior Lutheran Church, 5 Summer Street, Hanover NH, 03755; Hanover High School Alumni Legacy Fund, Warren Coughlin (treasurer), 61 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755; CCBA (Youth Scholarship Fund), 1 Taylor Street, Lebanon, NH 03766.

Calling hours Friday, March 1st, 5-7pm at Ricker Funeral Home, Lebanon, NH. Memorial services Saturday, March 2nd, 11am at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Hanover, NH. Burial at Valley Cemetery, Lebanon, NH, after service, with reception to follow at Our Savior Lutheran Church.

To leave a message of remembrance or condolence, please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.