Charles Edward Bimmler

Charles Edward Bimmler, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, at the age of 83, in Fort Myers, Florida. Born on January 17, 1942, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Charles lived a life filled with love, dedication, and a fervent spirit. Charles was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Emil and Ella Lena Bimmler, his first wife Nancy Louise Bimmler, and his brother, Emil A. Bimmler. He was a proud U.S. Army veteran, having enlisted at the young age of 17 in 1959. He served as a non-combatant during the critical period of the Bay of Pigs conflict in Cuba, stationed in Alaska, close to the tensions of the time. A devoted patriot, he penned a heartfelt letter to President Joseph Biden reflecting on his service and expressing his gratitude and pride for having served under "my Commander" President John F. Kennedy during a turbulent chapter in American history. Charles graduated from Warren Harding High School in 1959 and went on to study manufacturing engineering at Waterbury State Technical College and UCONN. His distinguished career spanned several major firms, where he began as a tool designer and rose to become the engineering manager for companies including Crouse-Hinds New England, Newton New Haven, and Sikorski Aircraft. In his personal life, Charles found love again when he met, then married Mary-Ann Tirone Smith on October 16, 2012, in a stunning ceremony under a moongate overlooking the ocean in Hamilton, Bermuda. Together, they built a life filled with joy and adventure, including a year at UNLV where Mary-Ann was awarded a fellowship in fiction writing. Charles is survived by his beloved wife, his son Jason Bimmler, and his wife Melissa of Ansonia, his daughter Kristin Corrado, and her husband Michael of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, and his stepchildren Jene Trevail, and her husband Duane Trevail of Newtown, Connecticut, and Jere Smith, and his wife Kim Gonzaga of North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Charles was a proud grandfather to four precious grandchildren: Zachary, Alexia, Gianna, and Sydney, and step-grandchildren Amanda, Joseph, Emily, and Christopher, who brought him immense joy. An avid sportsman, Charles enjoyed a wide range of outdoor activities. He was well-known for his passion for fishing, particularly in Long Island Sound and fly-fishing on the Farmington River in Connecticut, where he proudly tied his own flies. His love for the outdoors extended to camping, tennis, boating, and golf. A devoted Boston Red Sox fan, Charles had an enduring disdain for the New York Yankees, and he often lightened the atmosphere with his spirited commentary on the rivalry. He was also a fan of Pink Floyd-often spotted at their concerts-his favorite songs, "On the Turning Away," "Learning to Fly," and "Comfortably Numb," which resonated with his introspective nature. Charles was actively involved in his community, a member of Germania Hall in Bridgeport, the Southbury Rod and Gun Club, and a volunteer firefighter with the Ansonia Fire Department. He took great pride in being a scout leader, guiding boys in their explorations and adventures. He enjoyed nothing more than a week's camping and fishing every year with his best buddies, Gary Krofssick of Roxbury, Jim Geanuracos, of Monroe, and the late Bruce Heine, of Ansonia. In his final years, Charles was blessed with the warmth of family, the company of his loyal labradoodle, Saltalamacchia "Salty," and the beauty of home at Fort Myers Beach, Florida. He approached his final days with courage, grace and dignity, and with the compassionate and superior care of the medical staff at the Lee Health Medical Center, his family at his side. Charles Edward Bimmler will be remembered for his zest for life, and his commitment to family and country. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and a spirit that will forever inspire those who had the privilege to know him. Rest in peace, Charles. Your journey has only just begun. The graveside final duties of respect and interment will take place at the Middletown State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, Connecticut 06457 on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 9:00AM. A memorial service to follow will take place with place with a commemorative gathering of friends and family. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles Edward Bimmler, please visit our floral store.