Charles John Hinckley

Hardwick---CDR  Charles J. Hinckley, USN (ret) died on Oct. 6th at UMass-Memorial  Hospital, due to injuries sustained in a single vehicle accident. Jack is survived by his wife of 35 years, Pamela A. Hinckley, his three children Rebecca Kinn of Huntingtown MD, Katherine Sjoberg of Framingham MA, and Charles T. Hinckley of Austin TX, sons-in-law Sean Kinn husband of Rebecca and Jeffrey Sjoberg husband of Kate, his two grandchildren John D. and Henry C. Kinn, and by his three siblings Stephen Mark and James Christopher Hinckley and and Lisa Carman Drake. Jack was born in Ware on March 19, 1951 to Dr. Charles T. and Achsah  E. Hinckley. The Hinckley family moved to Hardwick in 1951, where Jack attended primary school. He then attended Pomfret School in Connecticut, graduating in 1969. In 1973, Jack completed the engineering program at Brown University, earning a B.S. in Mechanical and Space Engineering. After graduating Jack entered the US Navy's Officer Candidate School in Newport RI. Later that year he completed OCS, becoming a Commissioned Officer in the US Navy. He attended USN Nuclear Power School in Vallejo CA and Idaho Falls ID, graduating first in his class. After  which, he went on to serve on the USS California (CGN-36) as Machinery Division Officer. After five years of active duty service, he served an additional 17 years in the US Navy Reserves, before retiring with the rank of Commander. After completion of active duty, he began his career as a Mechanical Engineer, first at Coppus Engineering in Worcester and then at Smith & Wesson in Springfield. Jack spent the majority of his career at Warren Pumps in Warren, working there a total of 33 years. Jack was highly regarded by his peers in the engineering community, earning his Professional Engineering License, and was holder of two US Patents (4799861 & 5201642). Jack had an incredible passion for all things mechanical, evident well beyond his professional life. During his lifelong pursuit of his passion he undertook innumerable personal projects, including restoration of his own crane, salvaging and restoring an historic barn, numerous car restorations and many , many others. During his life in Hardwick he served terms on the School and Finance Committees, and was well known  as an active and vocal supporter of Hardwick. To his family and friends, Jack was a loving and caring person, always interested in the wellbeing of others and eager to share his own experiences and thoughts. He brought life vitality and enthusiasm everywhere he went , to everyone he encountered and to everything he did. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday Oct. 18th  at 11am in the First Universalist Church in Hardwick (The Summer Church) There are no Calling Hours. Charbonneau Funeral Home ( WWW.charbonneaufh.com ) is entrusted with arrangements. Inlieu of flowers donations may be made to the United Services Organization (USO).