Charles F. Colwell

Sturbridge - Charles F. Colwell, 85, of Lake Road, died on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at his home, with his loving and caring family by his side. 

He leaves his son, Brock Colwell and his wife Jill of Sturbridge; his daughter, Lucy Colwell-Snyder and her husband Kevin of Warren; four grandchildren, Abram Colwell, and Gary, Bryan, and Buffy Berthiaume, as well as several nieces and nephews.  Charles was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Carolyn F. (McRoy) Colwell in 2009.  He was born and grew up in Rutherford, NJ, son of the late C. Frederick and Dagmar (Peterson) Colwell, and moved with his family to Southbridge when he was in his teens.  He has lived in Sturbridge for over 60 years.

Charles was a graduate of the former Cole Trade High School in Southbridge, and Worcester Junior College with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He worked as a Mechanical Engineer at American Optical Company for 23 years, and also was a drafting instructor at Pathfinder Regional Vocational High School in Palmer for 10 years.   In his mid-forties, he graduated from the New England Institute of Mortuary Science, and worked as a Licensed Funeral Director at Bullard-Belanger Funeral Home in Southbridge, and Varnum Funeral Home, Inc. in West Brookfield, before retiring.

Mr. Colwell is a United States Army Veteran of the Korean War.

Charles was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He enjoyed camping with Carolyn and his family, and spending leisure time on the lake.  He was a charter member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sturbridge,  as well as a member of the Charlton City United Methodist Church, the Quinebaug Lodge of Masons AF&AM, and the Doric Chapter RAM.

A Funeral Service for Charles will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017 in the  Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 345 Main St., Sturbridge at 11:00AM.  Burial with military honors will be held privately in North Cemetery in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 345 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01566.  Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., West Brookfield is assisting his family with arrangements.

varnumfuneralhome.com