Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Charles Payne Obituary
Charles Barker Payne, 34, of New York passed away on January 7, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
He was born June 25, 1982 in Bridgeport, Connecticut and was raised in Fairfield, Connecticut where he attended school during his elementary years. He graduated from Fairfield Country Day School in 1998. "Charlie" then attended Deerfield Academy, graduating in 2001. Seeking a college education in the south, he graduated from the College of Charleston in 2005. After a couple of years with Clear Channel Communications, Charlie earned his Master of Arts graduate degree in Documentary Journalism from New York University in 2011.
He was employed by Sports Illustrated and CNN Money before deciding to be an independent contractor in the media industry. In October 2015, he married Rebecca, "the love of his life", in Newport, Rhode Island.
Everyone loved Charlie and he became a friend to everyone. He had a passion for music, becoming an accomplished pianist and guitar player. During his pre-college days, Charlie enjoyed signing on as an actor in many school plays, as well as performances with summer playhouse theatre, including ones held in Newport, Rhode Island and Fairfield, Connecticut. He loved being in front of an audience. For many years, Charlie, with his sister Emily, sang in the choir at Trinity Church, Southport, Connecticut.
Besides his wife Rebecca, Charlie is survived by his parents John and Dorothy Payne of Vero Beach, Florida and his sister Emily Hamilton and husband Matt and son Jack, all of Sebastian, Florida. He is also survived by his sister Laura Lowe and her husband JB Lowe of Fairfield, Connecticut and his brother Andrew Payne and wife Ann and their children Stuart and Oliver, all of Bedford, New York. Charlie was so loved by his many aunts, uncles and cousins. He loved his Deerfield "brothers" and Country Day "soulmates."
The Strunk Funeral Home of Vero Beach, Florida is handling the arrangements. Memorial services will be held later this year in Newport and Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charlie's memory can be made to the music/theatre department of Fairfield Country Day School, 2970 Bronson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Payne
Jeff Stokes Bonnie Spector
June 4, 2017
We only had the privilege of meeting Charlie once, during that great family party you threw at at your barn when we visited in 2000 or so. I remember him as a bright, friendly, polite young man who was going places. And I see that he accomplished a lot in his all-too-short life! Bonnie and I were so sorry to hear of his passing, and we hope that all who miss him will find inspiration in his life and from that the courage to carry on undeterred ...
Martha Castillo Koizim
February 9, 2017
John and I are deeply saddened. May wonderful memories give you lasting comfort.
Mary Foss-Skiftesvik
February 6, 2017
Dear Dorthy, John, Emily and Rebecca~ We were very saddened to hear about Charlie's passing. Please know that our hearts go out to you and we will remember you in our prayers. May he rest in peace! Love, Mary, Frode, Ryan & Sean
January 20, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Alex hoidal Billington
January 16, 2017
Charlie was my first friend at CofC. We actually met in Nantucket the summer before our freshman year and knew then that we would be friends. Years later, after graduating from college, we lived just around the corner from eachother in NYC. We had busy schedules and rarely got to hang out as much as we did in college but everytime we ran into eachother, it felt like old times. I am so grateful I got to be friends with Charlie. He was funny, talented and kind. He always brought a smile to my face. He will be missed. My thoughts are with Charlie's family.
Mary Currier
January 15, 2017
A beautiful tribute to our Charlie. I love you all.
Victoria D.
January 12, 2017
So Very Sorry for Your Loss ~ Many Thoughts & Prayers ~ May God's Peace Be With You All ~
Justin Munson
January 11, 2017
To The Payne Family
Thoughts are with you right now. So sad to hear of this news. I lived with Charlie for a year at CofC on Cannon St. Charlie was a great friend and always was willing to help with anything I needed. I'll always remember driving around Charleston in his Jeep as Charlie smacked the car with his crop as we cruised down the street.
constance Richardson
January 11, 2017
To all the Payne's family , Especially to the parents of Charlie, Dorothy and John. I am a mother, Late one night few years ago I got the news that my 34 year old son is dying. That bring back the feelings when I heard of your son passing . Be of good courage . The good lord gives and he takes and we will never know why, he takes us to it and will pull us through and out of it. Laura, Emily and all other family Members the power of daily prayers shall give you all comfort and peace , Just think that he is just away sleeping because he love you and you love more. Hope, paints every glowing shadow,Peace, is like sweet music pure and strong with comfort when the night is long Joy, is like a blooming flower sending forth it's fragrance to heal, when the bitter winds are blowing . Nothing is more precious than Love not even like a diamond wrapped in the finest gold. I send comfort to all in your sorrow of Charlie and Faith to have peace , Constance Richardson (( CONNIE )
January 11, 2017
John and Dorothy and family. Mary and I are so, so sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in our prayers.
Bob and Mary Outtrim
Dana Wiehl
January 11, 2017
John, Dorothy, Emily, Rebecca, Laura and Andrew -- how my heart aches for you all. Charlie was so special -- the world is a darker place without him. I send you all my love and prayers.
January 11, 2017
John, Dorothy and Emily, my heart go out to you all over the loss of your beloved Charlie. You all are in my heart and prayers at this most difficult time. Love to you all, Tricia Anderson
Jane and Andy Kampf
January 11, 2017
Dorothy, John and Emily, We are so sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in your many wonderful memories together. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Chris Ratineri
January 11, 2017
John and Dorothy:
Many prayers of peace and love to your family. My deepest condolences.
Belinda Then
January 11, 2017
John, Dorothy and Rebecca and family, I am so sorry for your loss. So, So sorry.
Chuck Stewart
January 11, 2017
Dear Dorothy, John, Emily Rebecca, Laura,Andrew and families.My heart is broken.You know I need say nothing more.My love and prayers to you all always. Chuck Stewart
Megan Collard
January 11, 2017
Dear John, Dorothy and family,
So sorry for your loss. Charlie was a wonderful young man and will be missed. Your family is in my prayers.
Dr and Mrs fein and David Fein
January 11, 2017
Dear John and Dorothy Payne. We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are with u at this very sad time . Our very best. Ken Cathy and David Fein ( an FCDS family )
Sarah Smith Wilcox
January 10, 2017
To the Payne family- I am truly sorry for your loss. I am heart broken upon finding out this news. Charlie was such a special talented person and I have such fond memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and he will be terribly missed.
Tammy Hotchkiss
January 10, 2017
Dear John, Dorothy and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
January 10, 2017
Dear Dorothy, I remember Charlie when he was in my sons class at Country day. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May god guide you through this difficult time.
Luann Conine
January 10, 2017
May the hearer of prayer grant comfort at this challenging time of grief. May all fond memories of Charles stay close to your hearts. RH
Gabrielle Dennison
January 10, 2017
I will treasure my memories of Charlie. He had a big smile and an even bigger heart.
John Cissel
January 9, 2017
I remember Charlie's big smile, wide open eyes, and questions about how everyone else was doing. A generous person who will be missed terribly. John Cissel
Georgie T
January 9, 2017
To the Payne Family,
The news of Charlie's sudden passing was one of sheer heart break and terror. Charlie was a kind soul and a great man who in his last days voiced his desire to become a father, it truly saddens me that this will never become a part of his life. I only knew Charlie for a short time but the instant you saw his smile you fell in love with the great man he was. A man with so much to offer to this world; it is such a sad ending to a beautiful life. I wish you all comfort and peace in this time and please know that Charlie made a huge impact on mine and all of his new friends' heart. He will never be forgotten.
My love and respect to you all in this very tough time. He is sure to be greatly missed.
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Make a Donation
in Charles Payne's name
Memorial Events
for Charles Payne
Funeral services provided by:
Strunk Funeral Homes and Crematory - Vero Beach916 17th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
How to support Charles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Charles Payne's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
