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CHARLES STEAD Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for CHARLES STEAD
Sponsored by Loving Stead Family.
Scott Bland
July 31, 2025
I remember when Gary Moore and I got into a fight at the Webster school we good friends cannot remember why we got into the fight. But Mr. Stead caught us and took us to the office I thought that we were going to be in big trouble lol. But with his understanding and compassion he told the both of us that we had to write a letter of apology to each other's parent's. And he had to read them both of those letters and approve them we must of wrote several drafts before he said they were alright. That was Mr. Stead always saw the good in us and never judge us great man R.I.P. Mr. Stead
Don Allen
April 5, 2025
Just found out Charlie had passed. I live in Maine now and lost touch with many from Cambridge of ago. I was in Grammar School with him many years ago, he was a great guy, good friend and a very good student, Don Allen
Lynne Santos
July 31, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
August 4, 2022
Thank you Mr. Stead for being an excellent role model for all students in your community, particularly the young Black males.
Lynne
July 31, 2022
In memory of a great person.
Richard DiSalvo
July 31, 2022
To the family of Charles Stead so sorry for your loss Having him as a teacher many years ago. He was a mentor helping many to go the right way. He will be greatly missed RIP
REV ALVIN RILEY
July 31, 2020
We will always remember Mr. Stead as a trail blazer.
May 12, 2016
Dear Uncle Charlie:
Hoping that you see me from heaven and know how much you helped to shape me as an adult!!! Miss you still so, so so very much! Not a day goes by that I do not think about you.....
You were the best!!! Believe that!!! Even with faults you were the best Uncle!!!!
Love you always
Leslie
October 27, 2015
Dear Uncle Charlie:
Still devastated about the GREAT loss of you... I hope you are at eternal rest and hugs and kisses until we meet again.
Love your neice,
Leslie
September 1, 2015
Dearest Uncle Charlie
I still think of you on a daily basis and miss you very, very , very much....... I hope that you are at peace... I feel your presence with me and your will never ever be forgotten.
Your proud neice,
Leslie
Keith Pearson
December 13, 2013
Charles Stead SR. was the man, My name is keith pearson and i remember charles as being a smart strong Black Man, When i was young charles would take me and my cousin Martin Berry and his two sons Michael and Chucky Camping and Fishing, I remember on Friday i would half to go down to Chucks Wagon for fried clams and fish and chip, Nobody in Cambridge went hungry with Charles Stead Around, Iwill miss him and i hope the city of Cambridge will do the right thing to Honor him. Your friend Keith Pearson. Love You.
August 3, 2013
My heartfelt condolence go out to the Stead family. Peace and Love. Marlina Hullum
August 2, 2013
Dearest Uncle Charlie:
It has been a year since your passing and the tears still do not stop. The family misses you soooooo much. Our holiday's have been quiet and sad without you. They say that time heals a broken heart but I am not sure how long this is going to take me to get over. I know you knew how proud I was to call you my Uncle Charlie, my mentor and hero. I miss your smile and the jokes you always played on family members and many more things about Charlie Stead. I hope you are at peace and I carry you every day in my heart and feel you walk with me daily.
Love Ya
Niece: Leslie
December 27, 2012
Dear Uncle Charlie
It has been 4 month's since your left all of us. The holiday's were truly unbearable without seeing that beautiful wide smile of yours coming through the door on Thanksgiving and Xmas. I know you must be up with the angels and they got to enjoy your company this year but my heart is very heavy and I hope that you are never forgotten and all of your contributions and accomplishments never taken for granted and fazed away! Love you so much Uncle.
I look forwarded to our next laugh someday.
Your neice....Leslie
August 21, 2012
My heartfelt condolences to the Stead family.
Nancy McCusker
August 17, 2012
My sympathy to the family. I read the beautiful words that were said in the guest book about Charlie. I am glad that so many people knew the honest and careing person that Ckarlie was.
Dave Nadeau
Kevin McCluskey
August 13, 2012
My deep sympathy to the Stead Family and Charlie's legion of friends. Charlie was a caring and charismatic guy who created a powerful, respectful presence everywhere he went.
August 12, 2012
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Stead family.
Marlina Hullum,
(Savannah, GA)
Maria and Lillian Homer
August 12, 2012
Our heartfelt condolences to the Stead Family. I (Lillian) saw Mr. Stead 2 years ago after not seeing him since the King School. He had that same spark, charm, and wit that made him who he was. He will truly be missed.
Paula Phillips Wilson
August 12, 2012
I will always remember the Cambridge Community Center summer field trips with Mr. Stead. He was a great leader -- kind and giving of his time and support to young people. He will be missed.
Buzz Jarvis
August 11, 2012
My condolence to the family.
Clayton Heywood
August 10, 2012
My deepest condolence to the Stead Family. May God give you Comfort, Strength and Peace in your time of need.
Garieth Carter
August 10, 2012
My Sincere Condolences to the Stead Family. Although I did not have the opportunity to get to really know Uncle Charlie, my wife and father in law had provided me just a glimpse into the Man. I did have the great fortune of meeting the Man and he was indeed Larger than Life.
Wyatt Stead Carter
August 10, 2012
To the Stead Family, Friends and Relatives,
We will miss Uncle Charlie and We miss you. We have all of you in our hearts and minds. We hope to see you soon. Please share with us stories of our family, Grandpa (Roland) and Uncle Charlie.
Love,
Alexander, Zachary and Wyatt (Stead) Carter.
Uncle Charlie
Susan Stead-Carter
August 10, 2012
Tales about Uncle Charlie rivaled those of folk stories, Paul Bunyan and John Henry seemed to pale in comparison to the adventures of Charlie Stead. I however had the privilege of knowing him. When I was young, Uncle Charlie was larger than life, his bombastic voice, his gestures, and his zeal as he relished a good debate. Colorful could not adequately describe him. Yet, He was always attentive and gentle to this introvert and I loved him for it. He like My father also instilled in me the values this family is known for, one of determination and tenacity. Debbie, Michael, Chuckie,Makayla, Christopher, Aunt Grayce, Uncle Lawrence, Aunt Laraine and my cousins, I too share your loss and have you in my thoughts and heart.
Margaret Edwards
August 10, 2012
The Edwards family sends their condolences to the family.
August 10, 2012
My condolences to to the Stead family for your loss. He will be missed. May you rest in peace.
Lynne Santos and family
Chris Patrick
August 10, 2012
I send my deepest condolences to the family. Mr. Stead was the vice principal when I attended MLK Jr. Great man who kept us in line. He will be truly missed.
Anthony Galluccio
August 9, 2012
I will remember Mr. Stead as a great principal and someone who had Cambridge deep inside his heart. I have fond memories of him keeping me in line on the summer paint crew and him taking command as a ref at the Boston Shhotout. My deepesr sympathy to the Stead family.
Kevin Morrison
August 9, 2012
He will always be in my heart I was lucky to have him and I told him that he was hard cause he cares!!!!
Queen Barnes
August 9, 2012
Charlie was my landlord for many years and my son's principal. He was a good man and could tell a good story. My condolences to his family. RIP
Debbie Harris
August 9, 2012
First memory of Mr. Stead. It was my first time going in Chuck's Wagon with my cousin Linda Hughes as a teenager. He said "you are new here aren't you and do I know your people." Linda said she is a Hughes and family and he said "then that's alright with me." Never forgot that. He had to know everybody. RIP Mr. Stead. and my condolences to your family. Debbie Campbell Harris
Jill Oliver
August 9, 2012
Thank you Mr. Stead for all of your years of service to the Cambridge community. We need more educators like you! My condolences to the Stead family on your loss.
L. & Arthur Edwards/Smith
August 9, 2012
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Richard Williams
August 9, 2012
One of the most inspiring leader,and teacher.Who taught me dignity, and respect I will never forget you.
Laraine Langston
August 9, 2012
Hi Charlie,
I just want you to know again how much I am missing you. I want you back so much but of course that is impossible. I just have to try to move on somehow which is not going to easy. It has only been seven months. First Roland and now you.Death is so hard to accept. I keep thinking hour after hour about you. At least I have all the memories and oh so many of our ups and downs between the both of us. Those will last a lifetime.At one point you had me laughing and the next crying.I will definately miss you and me arguing and you always thinking you were right. Most of the time you won. Charlie,you know exactly what I mean and I know everyone else knows what I'm talking about too.I wish you could hang up the phone on me just one more time. Now go and be with Papa, Mama and brother Roland. One thing though, you better be prepared cause Mama is not going to take any mess from you cause she never did. I love you Charlie. Sis Laraine
WILLIAMS FAMILY
August 9, 2012
I SEND MY CONDOLENCES OUT TO THE STEAD FAMILY A TRUE MAN IN THE CAMBRIDGE COMMUNITY GOD HAS CALLED HIM HOME TO GLORY.
Christina Perry Durkee
August 9, 2012
Mr. Stead, when I think of my childhood you were a huge part of it. Eight years at the King School and a great friend to my mother and entire family. You will be missed by all that knew you. Condolences to your loved ones.
bruce
August 9, 2012
RIP, thank you for the tough love. i needed it back then. i wasn't a bad kid just wanted to be one of the gang. so i followed others. I got in trouble and yelled at by you! man, when you yelled the whole building shook! i deserved it, cause I did wrong. you will me missed. i had the fortune of being a friend after our years at the king. you are a great guy and will me missed!
August 9, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Stead Family. I'll always remember the Good Ole Days playing basketball for the Boston Bruins, and through the years remaining good friends. I'll remember you always, you are really one of the good guys and GOD has to BLESS YOU. R.I.P. I will really miss you. Al Rue
Tina Andrews
August 9, 2012
The Stead Family, My love and sympathy out to you all. Charlie's memory will forever live on. You are all in my thought's and prayers.
Cynthia
August 8, 2012
Roses are red;violets are blue. You were loved by many it is true.
Your face we wont see nor will you see ours. Your hugs we will-not get, nor will-you receivee ours. We will not hear you wonderful voice and you will not hear ours. RIP we will always miss and love you. Love your families, friends, students and all others who will always love and miss you.
Leslie Langston
August 8, 2012
To My Dearest Uncle Charlie:
I miss your smile and your jokes and most of all your presence. They say the spirit lives on and I am sitting patiently waiting for you to be with me again. 74 yrs was not enough time with you. We have hero's that we read about in books but Cambridge is suffering at great loss as one of it's hero's has gone too glory.
Thank you for teaching me, loving me and demanding the best of me as you always gave us your best. Never gave 1/2. You always gave it your all in whatever you attempted.
I am so proud of the man you were and I know you knew this. Rest on my beautiful Uncle Charlie.
Leslie
August 8, 2012
We knew Charlie as a Basketball Official for many years and as the father to our God Son Chris. We offer are deepest sympathy and pray that the good Lord will comfort you at this time. God Bless You All
JoAnne and Juan Nieves and Family
Sue Desjardin-Murphy
August 8, 2012
To the Stead Family.... I am so sorry for your loss...Mr Stead was a wonderful man...He was fair & understanding ( even though he gave the whole class detention for the food fight in the Cafeteria). He took the in interest in " his" kids. He took us to the Harlem Globetrotters in the back of the pickup... back in the day.. He was unselfish.... THANKS for sharing him with us...
Edward Mascoll
August 8, 2012
Rest in Peace Charlie
Mike Rivera
August 8, 2012
I knew Charlie since the early sixties when he owned "Chucks Wagon" at Western Ave. and Hews St. He always treated everyone in the neighborhood with great respect giving those who were less fortunate a great meal to feed your entire family and then some at a great price. Then, many years later I had the privilege of inspecting my old Houghton (King) School while I was on the Fire Dept. and to meet up with Charlie again. To me, he was as big as life itself. Rest in Peace Charlie until we meet again.
August 8, 2012
Mr. Stead I will miss your smiling face every other day as you water your grass and flowers as I head off to work. As your neighbor for many many years and former babysitter of your kids - I remember when you had the store on Western Ave and when I was babysitting you or your wife when bring us the best clams and fried chicken. mmmmm, those were the days. RIP - you will be sorely missed but heaven gains another angel.
Karen Cooke (Pearson)
August 8, 2012
A true teacher. Mr. Stead was always thought of with great fondness by my brother and I . He will be missed. Deborah Smyth DiLando and Craig Smyth
Roland Gibson
August 8, 2012
I join members of the Class of 55 in expressing sympathy to Charlie's family. We too were deeply saddened to learn of his death. Fond memories of our days and Rindge and beyond abound.
Kathy Hicks-Stinson
August 8, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Stead family. I just saw Mr. Stead earlier this year and he looked great. I will always remember him from the King School, refereeing basketball games and the many bus trips. He will be missed by so many.
August 8, 2012
Grace and Debbie,
Continuing to pray for your peace and comfort during this difficult time. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." God bless the both of you and your family. Much love and support...
Thayer and Gayle Williams
Carmen Turner
August 8, 2012
My condolence to the family MR. Stead rip your a wonderful man, I will miss that wonderful smile and the kind words you say to make me smile. amen.
Cheryl Gedziun-Crayton
August 8, 2012
Cambridge ICON: my Math Teacher at Webster School, One of a kind, warm loving and caring FRIEND.....always happy to see you .......taught us so much more than Math, taught us about life ....no questions asked, always the genuine shoulder to lean on .....love you Charles.....rest in peace , your Legacy will live on and on and on xoxooxo
To Mr. Stead's Family ....so sorry for your immense loss .....he was "the needle in a hay stack" .......you were so lucky to have him as a Dad......we were lucky to have him as our Friend.
Rest Easy ......Godspeed , xoxoxo Cheryl
Sylvia Pearson
August 8, 2012
there are no words for how I feel about hearing of your passing Mr. Stead but I know that you are going home to glory. I give my heart felt condolences to your family and pray that God gives them the comfort and support that they will need during this time of sorrow. There are also no words for how much you will be missed. Rest In Paradise for our Father has said that you have done what he needed you to do and now it is time to be with him
Michelle Cataldo (Donnelly)
August 7, 2012
To the Stead Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Stead's passing. Growing up, he was my Vice Principal turned Principal, and over the past year and a half I was fortunate enough to be able to call him my friend. I will cherish our visits and our talks and I will miss him very, very much.
Barbara Burke
August 7, 2012
My sincere sympathy to the entire Stead Family. Charlie will be missed by many.
Mary Miller (formerly Doyle)
August 7, 2012
Mr. Stead, you touched so many lives in such a meaningful way and will be remembered and greatly missed. Condolences to your family.
Marc McGovern
August 7, 2012
Thank you Mr. Stead for your service to the children of Cambridge and for your life long commitment to improving the lives of children. There is no greater legacy then changing the lives of so many. My condolences to the Stead family.
Jonathan London
August 7, 2012
Rest in peace Mr. Stead.
August 7, 2012
Mr. Stead, You are cradled in God"s arms. You left a strong presence within the 1966 graduating class of the Webster School and beyond.
To Sir with Love....always and forever
Hugs,
Denise Gaul Greenidge
Londonderry, NH
Jason Greene
August 7, 2012
Heart felt condolences to the family of my longtime neighbor, Mr. Stead. His humor and presence will be missed. Rest in Peace Mr. Stead.
Lynette Edwards (formerly Poindexter)
August 7, 2012
Mr. Stead, in 2008 I taught 6th grade for the first time and it truly humbled me and gave me insight into the grace and patience with which you taught us (a bunch of hormonal and at times unruly pre-teens) as the greatest 6th grade teacher EVER. You even took a few of us with you and your wife camping so we could experience life outside the city and took care of us as your own. And of course I will never forget the letters you wrote us all...mine quite vocally telling me of the potential you saw in me to be great. Thank you for that. Thank you for being the stern, fair and understanding teacher and Vice-Principal who believed in us. You undoubtedly set the bar for educators who came after you. And your presence will be greatly missed. RIP
Tucker
August 7, 2012
Sincere Condolences to the Family of Mr. Stead and to all he guided. He will be remembered.
Ann Forster
August 7, 2012
My condolences to the Stead family. I am sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. Charlie was a complex, and incredibly strong man, but to me he was always kind, surprisingly nurturing, and gentle in his own way. I can recall one evening, as a first year teacher at the King, still being at work at about 8:00 one Friday evening and near tears, trying to do it all flawlessly, and Charlie, (also still at work at that odd hour) sitting me down and giving me a pep talk. Given the proudness of his bearing, and sometimes gruff delivery, one would never expect that tender side of him to exist, but it did.
Although, our educational philosophies differed radically, Charlie valued hard work, exacting standards and a 100% commitment to the students under his stewardship, and he respected and encouraged that quality of commitment in others. He was a man of strong opinions, tall and proud in bearing, and someone I will always remember with affection.
Frances Waithe-Bernat
August 7, 2012
Sincere condolences to the Stead Family
August 7, 2012
We need heroes today. We need someone to believe in and look up to. We need role models and real men whose shadows we may stand in, men who provide a cool, collective, refreshing place of safety knowing that a true man inspires manhood in others. Your legacy will live on. R.I.P. Charles L. Stead, Sr.
Edward B.Harris, Jr. Hollwood, Florida
Patrick & Alice O'Brien (Mousseau)
August 7, 2012
To the Stead Family,
We will always remember Charlie as a stand up guy. My Dad worked with him at the King School and has great respect for him in the way he dealt with the students. May your memories of him be a comfort to you now.
Sandra Martin
August 7, 2012
? Always remembered, never forgotten? R.I.P. Webster School 1961-1962..
Cynthia
August 7, 2012
Wow! you were my substitute teacher for one day. I really wish you had stayed my teacher . You were a good hearted person; you dated my sister for a while. My condolences to your family. RIP Young man! Cynthia Gardiner Jokinen
mary washington
August 7, 2012
RIP, Mr Stead, I'll miss waving at you as we pass in our vehicles. mawashington
Rev. Grace E. Bowen
August 7, 2012
To the Stead Family, My love & condolences are with you at this time. Mr. Stead truly changed the "course" of my life as the first black teacher I ever had in the 8th grade ,He remained a mentor, role model, & friend throughout my journey, as the griot educating the village. May he rest in peace, Rev.Grace E. Bowen , Mt. Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church -Harlem , N.Y.
Candace Lowe
August 7, 2012
My Condolences to the Stead family for your loss. Candace L. Lowe and Family
August 7, 2012
To the Stead family
He will be missed by James Smith (Smitty) & Paula Smith. Condolences sent to the Stead family, RIP Charles Stead
August 7, 2012
Charlie was a great man he will be surely missed. My prayers are with his family.
Clayton Singleton
August 7, 2012
A man who was a true educator and helped a lot of people along the way. He will be soarly missed. May he rest in peace.
Dr. Abby Booth-Burke
August 7, 2012
Blessings to you Stead Family, What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why Charles left this earth or why he left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that he went home to Glory, but that he lived. And that the touch of Charles' life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.
Maureen Caulfield
August 7, 2012
To the Stead family,
I knew Charlie most of my life. He will be missed by my whole family.
He worked with my dad, John Caulfield for many years. Please accept our condolences.
Rev. Alvin Riley
August 7, 2012
We sincerely miss you Mr. Stead, teacher, coach, referee, friend, church member, mentor. You were a true role model, not just for Black youth, but all people. You stood tall and inspire us still to stand tall and to carry on your legacy. Love you and miss you, but your spirit lives on in each one of us.
August 7, 2012
I AM VERY PROUD TO BE ABLE TO SAY THAT CHARLIE STEAD HAD AN INFLUENCE IN MY LIFE; THANK YOU CHARLIE!!
Scott Bland
August 7, 2012
To the Stead family,
Charles was a great man he will be surely missed my prayers are with you please accept my deepest sympathies.
Gerard Mahoney
August 7, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Charlie was a true gentleman. I will never forget how kind and supportive he was to my father.
Richard DiSalvo
August 7, 2012
My deepest sympathies, He was a great man and will be missed by all whom he has crossed paths with.
Alicia Waithe
August 7, 2012
To Mrs. Stead and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Stead, you touched my life....Rest Gently in his arms.
Alicia
Walter and Michael Sullivan
August 6, 2012
To the Stead Family:
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Mr Stead was a great guy, that touched many lives and benefited the many students that had the pleasure of learning from him.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Walter and Michael Sullivan
Brenda Gilchrist
August 6, 2012
My favorite teacher! I will miss running into you at Home Depot and in Central sq. RIP my friend I will miss you!
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