Charles Summers

Charles Lionel Summers

December 30, 2025

He wished to be remembered as an ordinary, average man, but he was far more than that. Charlie was truly a Renaissance man.

Charlie was the fourth son of John Lionel Summers of Midsomer Norton, Wales, UK, and Wilhelmina Clark Summers of Bathurst, Australia. He was preceded in death by his brothers John, William, and David, and is survived by his brother Frank.

Born in Framingham, Massachusetts, in March 1941, Charlie lived a full and remarkable life, reaching the age of 84. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sharon "Tess" Summers; his devoted sons, James (Megan) and Timothy (Melissa); and his cherished grandchildren, Lydia and Jack. He was also fondly devoted to his grand dogs, Lucy and Daisy. Charlie was the proud father of three sons and is now reunited in heaven with his son, Charlie "Char."

He was a loving uncle to his nieces and nephews and was deeply loved by many families and friends. Charlie was especially grateful for and dearly loved the caregivers who supported him in his later years.

Charlie was an engineer at MIT and an early member of Professor Raymond Weiss's team studying black hole theory. He was the inventor of EyePal® and held three patents for vision-assistance products. His dedication to community service was evident through his roles as past president of the Boxborough Historical Society, past member of the Boxborough Conservation Commission, and member of the Boxborough Rotary Club. He also initiated a transportation service to MIT's Lincoln Laboratory for Lexington employees. A proud veteran, Charlie served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and later represented fellow veterans through his involvement with the Veterans Business Owners Association in Bedford, Massachusetts.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Thursday, January 8th from 5:00PM-7:00PM in the Acton Funeral Home 470 Massachusetts Avenue (Rte. 111) Acton. Funeral service on Friday, January 9th at 11:00AM in the funeral home. Burial will follow in South Cemetery, Boxborough.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie's honor may be made to Clear Path for Veterans New England in Ayer, Massachusetts, or to the Massachusetts Audubon Society.