Charles Michael Zhe

Charles (Charlie) Michael Zhe, 81, of Cedar Grove, North Carolina, passed away at his residence on January 5, 2026.

Originally from the Springfield, Massachusetts, area, Charlie was a devoted husband to Patricia (Clark), his wife of 12 years. He is also survived by his son Michael Zhe, wife Lisa and their children Tyler and Brennan of Newmarket, NH; his daughter Michelle Zhe and husband Derek Ormond of Indian Orchard, MA; his son Matthew Zhe, wife Nicole and their children Emmie and Molly of Swansea, MA; stepdaughter Kelly Sullivan, husband Jim, and children Tayla and Travis of Douglas, MA; and stepdaughter Kim Clark, fiancé Josh Richards, children Brittany and David Jr., and three great-grandchildren of Douglas, MA. He also leaves behind many loved ones from his extended family, friends, and golfing buddies.

Charlie was the son of the late Charles Daniels Zhe and Evelyn Ruth (Pool) Zhe. He was a graduate of Ludlow High School in Massachusetts, took classes at Springfield Technical Community College, and served in the Army Reserves. He worked as a software engineer at New England Telephone (AT&T) for many years, and then as a consulting engineer at several telecommunications corporations across the country, guiding companies through major digital changes. Early in his career, he also owned his own business replacing vinyl booths and seating at restaurants across the Northeast.

Charlie was an avid golfer, huge Caniac (Carolina Hurricanes hockey fan), fan of the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox as well as all his grandchildren's activities, of which he was a great supporter. He enjoyed watching Harlan Coben thrillers on Netflix. He also loved a good road trip and instilled that sense of adventure in his kids.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation, which strives to meet the health and educational needs of children, with a focus on underserved populations, and to strengthen youth hockey in the community.