Charles Saben

Charles Saben, 62, of Bradford, Mass, passed away peacefully on June 20th, 2025, surrounded by loved ones after a period of declining health. Born on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1963, in Salem, Mass, Charles lived a life marked by quiet depth, sharp wit, and unwavering loyalty to those who were important to him. In spite of many trials and tribulations over the last year and a half, he remained both an optimist and committed to his treatment for pancreatic cancer, and had the sheer pleasure of spending four days in April in the company of his family in the White Mountains seeing the many beautiful sights, sharing a delicious meal he described as gourmet, delighting in playing games in the evening, and greeting them as they disembarked from the Cog Railway, an adventure he insisted they take. He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara (Murray) Saben who has never left his side over 40 years of marriage; his adoring and loyal children, Lauren and Nathan Saben; and his beloved granddaughters who lit up his world and to whom he was known as their much-loved "Chi", Leiana Donovan, Amaya Donovan, and Gia Morrison. He also leaves behind his sisters, Alyson Saben, and Lynne Saben; his niece and goddaughter, Lahni (Saben) Bergin and nephew, Thomas Halamoutis; great nieces Lucy Bergin and Penelope Halamoutis; and many cousins and friends, all of whom will miss his humble presence. He was predeceased by his parents, Alice C. (Sheridan) Saben and Charles H. Saben. Charles was an avid reader, brilliantly knowledgeable about many things including current and world events, ancestry, and computers; had an amazing ability to recall childhood and family memories; and although he often had a quiet demeanor, was always observant. He had a deep love for music and a lifelong appreciation for the spirit of Jamaica where he visited twice and had hoped to visit again. Charles was also an ardent hockey fan, always having some sort of Bruins gear on, including a vintage hat that was a conversation starter whenever he wore it. He had a gift for being a faithful friend - steady, available, and genuine, as reflected by many of his childhood friends of more than 50 years who came to spend time with him. He was a perfect gentleman, extremely likable by those who had the pleasure of being in his company, and loved by children, known to many in their lifetimes as "Chad-Dad." Those who knew him best will remember not only his intelligence but his down-to-earth nature. He was employed as a CNC Technician/Machinist for many years before attending the Northeast Technical Institute where he excelled in computer repair and administration, having received A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications. For many years Charles was a valued and contributing client at the Cornerstone Program in Haverhill where he learned valuable skills in conflict resolution, meditation, public speaking, and peer counseling, applying and sharing his acquired knowledge with others. While at Cornerstone, he also learned the art of Qui Gong and taught classes. Family and friends are invited to gather on July 7th, 2025, at 9:00 am at the H.L. Farmer & Sons BradfordFuneral Home, 210 South Main St, Bradford, before a Funeral Mass across the street beginning at 10:00 am at Sacred Hearts Church, 165 South Main Street, Bradford, Mass. Charles was extremely proud of both his mother and aunt who were nurses and he had a deep appreciation and admiration for caregivers especially in light of the care and compassion he received during his illness from his wife and family; the nurses and health care providers at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Tufts at Home Hospice; his Visting Nurse, Melissa; his Case Worker, Audra; and his PCA when he entered hospice, Jocelyn, who went above and beyond and provided him much comfort and companionship. In appreciation for the caregiving profession and future generations of nurses, in lieu of flowers, donations in Charles' memory can be made to the Dr. E. Ann Sheridan Faculty Mentorship Award established by the UMass Amherst Marieb College of Nursing to advance the nursing profession. For more information, please contact Crystal Neuhauser, chief development officer, UMass Amherst Marieb College of Nursing, 651 N Pleasant St., Skinner Hall, Amherst, MA 01003, telephone (413) 658-5619, email cneuhauser@uma-foundation.org.