Charles Lynch

1935 - 2021

Charles "Chuck" Lynch

UXBRIDGE - Charles "Chuck" Lynch, 85, a lifelong resident of Uxbridge, MA, and a widely known denizen of Providence, RI, passed away peacefully at home on February 4, 2021, following a brief illness. Chuck was born in 1935 to Charles Lynch and Margaret O'Hern Lynch and lived and worked in Uxbridge, North Uxbridge and East Douglas throughout his lifetime, retiring recently at 82. He was a graduate of St. Mary's High School in Milford, MA, and the University of Rhode Island's School of Pharmacy.

Chuck was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Margaret Paul, and his lifelong best friend, Dan "Digger" Shea. He is survived by his devoted and adoring family: his loving wife, Judith Sweeney Lynch; his children, Sharon Lynch of New York City, Chazz Lynch and his wife Susan of W. Hartford, CT, Ellen Lynch of Wakefield, RI, Jay Lynch and his wife Sue Dion of Uxbridge, Jennifer Lynch Stark and her husband Cameron of New Hope, PA, and their mother, Anne Hurston; his step-children, David Kinnecome and his wife Katarina of The Hague and Kara Bandstra and her husband Nate of Upton, MA ; and his grandchildren Sophie Lynch, Aidan Bandstra, Lillian Stark, Alex Bandstra, Ella Bandstra, Emily Stark, and Izabella Kinnecome. He also leaves his sisters Eleanor Morrison, Barbara Morrissey and Claire Link, all of RI, his brother-in-law Robert Paul of Uxbridge, and many nephews, nieces and cousins, all of whom he loved very much. Chuck was a loyal and steadfast friend to many who are too numerous to name but for whom he cared deeply, particularly Rich Lupo and Bruce Melucci.

Living his life to its fullest, Chuck will be remembered for his insatiable curiosity, his infectious and engaging energy, and his strongly compassionate spirit. His varied interests and passions were manifest in his wide-reaching friendships and business and civic engagements. He was a hipster who was also a pharmacist, a businessman and a truly devoted father and friend. From an early age, Chuck fell in love with Jazz and the Blues and he was an apostle for both, spreading the word and enlightening many. He treated his children to hearing great musicians play in small and large venues, ranging from Dizzy Gillespie to Ella Fitzgerald to Stan Getz to McCoy Tyner to Sonny Rollins to Big Joe Turner to Willie Dixon to Stevie Wonder to Natalie Cole to Bob Dylan and many more.

In his business sphere, Chuck assumed responsibility at a very young age for the family pharmacy business and with the indispensable help and support from his Uncle Tom Lynch and his son, Jay, he guided the business for nearly sixty years, transitioning from a small pharmacy chain to a full-service liquor store. After providing health services to many for many years, he developed an expertise in wine-tasting and turned to spreading the gospel of enjoying fine wines. Chuck worked alongside many valued friends and co-workers over the years at C. A. Lynch Pharmacies, many working with him for twenty to fifty years, including his late Uncle Pat Moran, for whom he held immense respect and affection. Chuck was honored to serve on the Boards of Directors for Savers Cooperative Bank and Milford Federal Savings & Loan. He was also a proud founding member of the Board of Directors for the Tri-River Family Health Center.

Although he worked long hours, Chuck always somehow made time for his family and his friends. If a friend was in the hospital, that friend would get a visit from Chuck Lynch. His children admire him for many qualities but especially his integrity and honesty. He always tried "to do the right thing." Friends and acquaintances would invariably call Chuck "a class act" because that is what he was.

Chuck and Judy enjoyed three trips together to Ireland, summers in Jamestown, trips around New England and hosting multiple Super Bowl parties designed for people who were more interested in socializing than in watching the game. Chuck loved a cold lager, a complex Cabernet and chowder and clam cakes overlooking Narragansett Bay in Point Judith. He had a twinkle in his deep brown Irish eyes and especially enjoyed teasing his grandchildren with the twinkle working overtime.

One of Chuck's favorite tunes was the Lee Wiley or Jack Teagarden versions of "A Hundred Years From Today." He lived it. When we hear the refrain, we will remember him.

The moon is shining, and that's a good sign

Cling to me closer and say you'll be mine

Remember, darling, we won't see it shine

A hundred years from today

A hundred years from today

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made in Chuck's name to the Uxbridge People First Food Pantry, PO Box 506, Uxbridge, MA 01569. (thepeoplefirstfoodpantry@msn.com) or a fund for Rhode Island musicans in need of health insurance at http://tuneinandtuneup.org/.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 11 AM at St. Mary's

Cemetery, Granite Street, Uxbridge.

Facial coverings and physical distancing required.

A recording of the service can be found on Chuck's obituary located on Buma Funeral Home website (www.bumafuneralhome.com), by clicking on the tab "Tribute Wall."