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Charles Wales Obituary
Born May 15, 1922 in Detroit, Michigan he was the son of the late Charles and Erma Compton Wales. He attended local schools and went on to graduate from the United States Naval Academy, class of 1943.
During his Naval career Charles served on various ships including the USS Lansdale which was sunk in April 1944 in the Mediterranean Sea. He was stationed in Newport, RI, Norfolk, VA, San Francisco, CA, Guam and Jacksonville, AL where he was honorably discharged in June 1956 at which time the family made their home in Stockbridge.
Upon relocating to Stockbridge Mr. Wales worked as an engineer for General Electric's Naval Ordnance Department as a servo engineer. He retired in 1985 to pursue his many interests which included woodworking, blacksmithing, sailing, cross country skiing and downhill skiing, which he did until he was 97 years old, to name a few. He was a volunteer blacksmith at Hancock Shaker Village and it was widely known that if anyone had a mechanical problem or needed something repaired, it was always "ask Chuck". He also participated in the Josh Billings Race as an Iron Man 7 times starting when he was 58 years old.
Charles is survived by his two daughters, Kathleen Vincent and husband David W. Vincent, Jr., of Pittsfield, MA and Phyllis Gruner and husband Stephen of West Chester, PA along with his grandchildren, Jennifer Conrad and Jeffrey Ducharme, Hillary Maropis and August Gruner and his wife Kate. He also leaves his great grandchildren, Andrew, Peter, Kathryn, Jonathan and Nathaniel Conrad and Hannah and Bryn Maropis.
He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Dorothy (Allen) Wales on February 13, 1995. The couple was married on June 10, 1943 at Grace Episcopal Church, New York, NY.
The funeral for Mr. Charles C. Wales will be held on Saturday, June 4 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Stockbridge, conducted by Rev. Brent Damrow, pastor. Burial will follow at the Stockbridge Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 3 from 4-7 p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington, MA.
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Charles may be made to either HospiceCare in the Berkshires or Hancock Shaker Village through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Wales
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
Pam Popp
November 12, 2022
I was blessed to have spoken to Mr. Wales via telephone a couple of years ago. I was searching for information about the USS Lansdale and came across his written account of this experience. My Great-Uncle was also on the ship, but sadly, perished in the ship's sinking in Apr 1944.
When I called Mr. Wales, he was so happy to chat with me and share his story. I loved our conversation and hoped I could meet him if I ever made it to the East Coast after C-19 was gone.
I hope for comfort for his daughters and extended family. If you have any of his military stories, please share them with the world! He was a great man!
Matthew Sawyer
June 10, 2022
What an incredible man. There is much I didn't know about Charles but what I did always impressed me. We had fun skiing together at Ski Butternut. I remember riding the lift to the summit and lapping turns with another close friend Mike Greco. No line midweek just making hot laps. On our 3rd ride this older gentleman asks if he can join us for a run. Sure - from that moment forward a good friendship developed. I so enjoyed seeing Charles in the lodge in the morning. Typically he would ski 1/2 a day with me and I was always impressed by his ability to stay with others much younger. (I'm 37 years younger than Charles. although a senior myself at 63 years of age). He was generally happy but occasionally he would show setbacks as memories flooded like when he would talk of his beloved wife or of friends lost at sea. Always marveled at his wit and stamina. A true gentleman. They don't make many in his league and he was among the best. Glad he made it to his 100th Birthday. Hope you are enjoying many great turns in pristine powder or more likely that beautiful corduroy you so enjoyed. Hope that our turns will someday cross again Charles.
To his awesome daughters thank you for sharing him with me on occasion at the nut. My heart is saddened by this news but I know he has gone to a better place - if for no other reason than he is there!
Richard (Dick ) DeFazio
June 10, 2022
Chuck was a man for all seasons. He was always willing to help in any way he could. He was very talented. I enjoyed his company, especially our discussions regarding glider flying. He was a great help to me at G.E. Most of all, he was a great gentleman! The world needs more people like Chuck!
Rest in peace my friend.
John & Luisa Economou
June 4, 2022
Dear Kathy and family. Sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Truly a remarkable man who lived his life to the fullest. May his memory be eternal.
Richard Wilder
June 3, 2022
Kathy, my heart goes out to you and your family.
Barbara Harry
June 3, 2022
Kathy, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. He sure was a talented man and will be surely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Patty Vincent
June 3, 2022
Dear Phyllis, Kathy and families,
I was so sorry to read of your Dad's passing. He was truly a remarkable, accomplished and talented man. His longevity was most impressive!
May your fond memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Patty
Sue Scace Donnelly
June 3, 2022
My heartfelt sympathy to you all. He was part of my family in my teens as my second dad. What a wonderful soul. I included a photo from the glider days. I will miss him.
Melanie Dolson Wagner
June 2, 2022
My thoughts are with all of the family. In the times I spent at the Wales house while growing up as a friend of Phyllis' I found Mr.and Mrs. Wales warm and welcoming. I'll always remember being included on a great ski trip. Chuck could not have led a more full life or had a more loving family.
Katherine Stevens
June 2, 2022
Phyllis, Kathy, and Family!
I am so sorry for your loss. I will never forget your Father´s kindness to me. He took Phyllis and I to Tuckerman´s Ravine to hike the Mountain and ski! Fabulous trip and a life long memory. Your Dad was very special! My thoughts are with you.
Tom Westcott Family
June 2, 2022
GRANDCHUCK you will be greatly missed by our entire family we are grateful to GOD for sharing such wonderful person with us when you stood in front of Our GOD I hope Grandlady was there also love you please kiss her on the cheek for us
Evelyn Jacobs
June 2, 2022
We will all miss Chuck. He was one of the most interesting people I´ve ever met. A man for all seasons. In his day nobody could keep up with him. Example, hiking with Chuck was an experience. He cared deeply for his family. My condolences to the entire Wales family.A life well lived.
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