Charles E. "Charlie" Dougan

Charles E. "Charlie" Dougan, 86, of Enfield, CT, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Born on July 2, 1938, in Manchester, CT, Charlie was the beloved son of the late Earle and Marjorie (Crockett) Dougan. He was a proud graduate of Manchester High School, Class of 1956, and went on to earn both a master's degree in civil engineering and a PhD in transportation from the University of Connecticut. Charlie dedicated his career to public service through the State of Connecticut's Department of Transportation, where he became a nationally recognized leader in transportation research. Over the years, he authored numerous publications and received many honors for his work. Among his proudest professional achievements were being named "Young Engineer of the Year" by the Connecticut Society of Professional Engineers in 1974, serving on the Advisory Panel for the President's Council for Science and Technology, and representing Connecticut on the national Transportation Research Board. In 1994, UConn's School of Engineering honored him with an Alumni Citation Award for his impact on transportation infrastructure in Connecticut and across the country. In 2001, he was named a lifetime National Associate of the National Academy of Sciences and the Governing Board of the National Research Council. On May 4, 1963, Charlie married the love of his life, Constance Alaimo, at St. Patrick's Church. Together, they built a home in Enfield and raised two daughters, Margaret and Marcia, who were the center of their world. Charlie took great pride in his Irish roots, which shone through in his sharp wit, talent for storytelling, and deep loyalty to family and friends. A survivor of the polio epidemic and a proud Eagle Scout, Charlie also had a lifelong love for swimming. He coached the Enfield Tankers (now the Windsor Locks Dolphins) throughout the 1970s and served as president of the Connecticut Swimming Officials Association. He and Connie rarely missed a game, match, or performance for their children and grandchildren. Charlie had a larger-than-life personality and a wide range of passions: grilling, bridge, billiards, UConn basketball, deep-sea fishing and, above all, bridges. Family trips often included a detour to admire and drive across a bridge he found fascinating. He may have been one of the few people ever to stop at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge gift store just for fun. Though his voice could be booming, Charlie's heart was even bigger. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose kindness and humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Charlie is survived by his loving daughters, Margaret Pappas and her husband Donald, and Marcia Moore and her husband Reeve; his adored grandchildren, Tara Sullivan, Nicholas and Alexander Pappas, Ian and Jenna Woods, and Hunter and Mcgovren Moore; and a soon-to-be-born great-grandson. He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Janet Varrick and her husband Robert; sister-in-law Esther Alaimo; brothers-in-law Charles Alaimo and Matthew Alaimo and his wife Susan; and many dear nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Connie, and his cherished grandson, Joe. The Dougan family extends their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Vernon Manor and Brighton Hospice for their care and support during Charlie's final days. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield, CT. Burial will be private at the family's convenience. For online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com