CHARLES ROBERT BERNDTSON

BERNDTSON, Charles Robert "Charlie" Passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of February 22 at the Saint Francis Hospice in Nuuanu, Hawaii. He lived an amazing life of 92 years, and spent his final days with friends and his family by his side.

He was born December 11, 1928 in Bridgeport, CT to Roy and Gladys Berndtson. He was predeceased by his only sibling Linda Blanchard and her husband Joe. Known by friends and family as "Bob" in his childhood, and "Charlie" after his marriage to Marie D'Andrea in 1951, he was raised in Bridgeport, and attended college there. He was a brilliant mathematician, and worked his way through various teaching and technical positions, retiring in 1989 from MIT Lincoln Labs in Lexington, MA, where he spent the final 25 years of his career. It was during one of his many postings to Kwajalein Missile Range in the Marshall Islands that he knew he had found his paradise: Hawaii, and specifically for him, Waikiki Beach. His children, grandchildren and even a great-grandchild spent many holidays in his adopted land, and met many of his friends along the way. His earlier years were spent in many locations but he always returned to live in North Reading while residing in MA, living in 7 different homes over the years.

He was a truly selfless soul, and a friend to all, and never shy about speaking his mind about all subjects in life. He was most at home at the tennis courts at Kapiolani, and riding his scooter all over Honolulu in his later years so he would not miss the party that is Waikiki Beach. Father of Carl and his wife Anne of Kennebunkport, ME, David and his wife Deborah of Vienna, VA, Karen of Watertown, and Marcia Edson and her husband Jim of Reading. Grandfather of Chad, Aaron, Ellen, Rachel, Jimmy, Nick and Andrew. Great-grandfather of Emma, Clive, Maeve, Leo and Samantha. He leaves a legacy of lokomaika'i.

After cremation, his ashes will be scattered in both Maine and Hawaii in future private ceremonies.

Donations in his memory may be made to Punahou School, 1601 Punahou St., Honolulu, HI 96822, Attn: Advancement Office. For gifts made online, please go to: www.punahou.edu/giving/give-now For online or check, put in memory of Charles Berndtson. Donation will directly benefit the math program at the school.