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Charles E. Gunning Jr.
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Mass Of Christian Burial
Oct. 27, 2025
10:00 a.m.
St. John Vianney Church of St. John XXIII Parish
Send FlowersCharles Gunning Obituary
October 21, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Charles E. Gunning, Jr., on October 21, 2025, the beloved husband of Carol Prior Gunning. Charlie leaves a wonderful legacy in his children, Kelly (Ken) Mastroni, Patricia (Paul) Marques and Timothy (Kate) Gunning, and in his grandchildren, Daniel and Kyle Mastroni, Charlotte and Ryan Marques and Molly, Finley and Charlie Gunning, all of whom he was so proud. The only son of the late Charles E. and Margaret Callahan Gunning, Sr., he leaves two sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Gunning and Anne (Tom) Fregeau.
Charlie retired from One Beacon Insurance, where he worked in the claims department. Charlie devoted countless hours to numerous philanthropic causes in West Haven - the Village Improvement Association, West Haven Public Library, WHEAT, and Shore Haven Jr. Baseball, all of which he held Board of Director positions. As a tireless volunteer, additional memberships included the West Haven Irish-American Club, served on the Finance Council at Our Lady of Victory Church and as the treasurer of the West Haven Taxpayers Association and served on the board of Beaverdale Memorial Park.
The recipient of several awards through the years, Charlie received the Westie Pride Award in 2010 and in 2012, the Gold Bat Award from the West Haven Twilight League. In 2008, Shore Haven Baseball dedicated a bench in his honor.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, October 26, from 3 to 6 pm at the West Haven Funeral Home. On Monday morning, please meet directly at St. John Vianney Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 o'clock. Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. In accordance with his wishes, please omit flowers. Should friends desire, donations may be made to WHEAT, 674 Washington Ave., West Haven, or to the West Haven Irish- American Club, Scholarship Fund, PO Box 16801, West Haven. To leave an online message for the Gunning family, please visit our website, www.westhavenfuneral.com .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Charles Gunning
Funeral services provided by:
West Haven Funeral Home - West Haven662 Savin Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Gunning
Sponsored by NHRegister.com.
13 Entries
Kathryn Izzo
October 25, 2025
I remember working on the Board and many special events for WHEAT with Charlie. When we use to give out actual turkeys, Charlie was always there to help. Many thanks Charlie.
Susan Messina
October 24, 2025
I worked with Charlie at One Beacon. He was a delight to work with, always making us laugh. My deepest sympathies to his family
Mickey Twohill DeLucia
October 24, 2025
To my younger cousin..You fought the good fight, finished the course and kept the faith !As you greet all your relatives, be thankful God doesn´t issue paychecks... you won´t have to do their taxes!!
Jeanne & Joe Faughnan
October 23, 2025
Carol and family. Joe and I were shocked to read of the passing of Charlie. He was such a real gentleman and so very fond of his family and loved talking of the Grandchildren. He did so much for the West Haven Community and will be sadly missed. Our prayers are with you.
Jeanne and Joe Faughnan
John Repnin
October 23, 2025
It grieves me to read about the loss of a neighbor, especially one who was such a good and gentle man. Kelly, Patricia and Tim, my sincere condolences. I'm confident your father has found his rest in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Alisha Jordan (Ryder)
October 23, 2025
Carol and family, I´m so very sorry for the loss of Charlie! Sending all of my love from Georgia.
DAVID CHAMBRELLI
October 23, 2025
I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the Gunning Family. I worked with Charlie at One Beacon, he was a true gentlemen always. He had a great sense of humor we laughed a lot I sat next to him. RIP Charlie, you were one of the best ever!!!
Ellen DePaola
October 23, 2025
I first worked for Charlie at the old General Accident, then worked together again at One Beacon. Such a nice man. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to his family.
Gina Reichert
October 23, 2025
Mr. Charlie Gunning, my dear friend Patty´s dad...Patty & I who met in the cry room as children at Our Lady of Victory church, then attended OLOV school and Sacred Heart Academy together. Mr. Gunning did my taxes for many years. My love and condolences to Carol, Kelly, Patty, Timmy & to all friends and family
Rick prior
October 22, 2025
He was a great uncle and raised a great family.
Colleen Bailie
October 22, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. He's been a staple, steadying presence on the Library board for so long, he will be sorely missed.
carolyn gregory
October 22, 2025
Carol and family,
It was lovely to see you and Charles at the recent class reunion. My deepest sympathy on your loss and may Charles Rest in Peace. God Bless.
Carolyn Gregory
Patti Travisano
October 22, 2025
Carol & family May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. God bless
Patti & Tony Travisano & sons Mrs Josephine Dunn
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